States » EastPosted at: Nov 4 2026 6:24PM


Congress accuses Odisha Govt of flood failure, inadequate farmer relief and Kotia inaction

Bhubaneswar, Nov 4 (UNI) Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led state government, accusing it of failing to manage floods, neglecting farmers' interests and showing inadequate commitment to safeguarding Odisha's territorial rights in Kotia.
Addressing a press conference at Congress Bhavan here, Das alleged that poor governance, administrative lapses and a lack of coordination had left people struggling during the recent floods.
He said that despite advance warnings about cyclones and floods, the authorities had failed to release water from dams at the appropriate time, pushing lakhs of people into distress.
Holding the Water Resources Department responsible for the hardships faced by people in Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts, Das demanded strict action against the engineers and officials whose alleged negligence contributed to the situation.
He also urged ministers to suspend routine administrative engagements and visit the affected areas to personally supervise relief and rehabilitation operations.
Questioning the compensation announced for flood-hit farmers, Das termed the assistance inadequate and demanded higher financial support.
He said that considering a minimum paddy yield of 20 quintals per acre and the prevailing Minimum Support Price (MSP), farmers should receive at least Rs 62,000 per acre. However, the government had announced only Rs 8,500, which he described as grossly insufficient.
Das questioned why the government was unwilling to provide even 50 per cent compensation to farmers who had lost their crops and livelihoods.
On the contentious Kotia issue, involving Andhra Pradesh's alleged interference in Odisha's territory, the Congress leader accused both the previous BJD government and the present BJP dispensation of failing to protect the state's interests.
He alleged that the BJD had neglected the issue during its 24-year rule, while the BJP government had remained inactive for the last two-and-a-half years.
"The BJD slept over the Kotia issue for 24 years, and the BJP remained asleep for two-and-a-half years. It was the Congress that woke them up," Das said.
He claimed that the state government became active only after the Congress organised protests in Kotia against Andhra Pradesh's alleged activities.
Das also criticised the previous BJD government for its handling of the matter before the Supreme Court and said the responsibility now rested with the BJP-led government to ensure proper implementation of the court's directions on maintaining status quo in Kotia.
Calling for a united political approach, he urged all parties and stakeholders to come together to safeguard Odisha's territorial integrity.
The Congress president further accused the BJP government of prioritising corporate interests over public welfare, alleging that the state's valuable mineral resources were being transferred to big industrialists at throwaway prices.
He claimed that displaced communities were being neglected while corporate houses benefited from industrial and mining projects.
Warning of an agitation, Das said the Congress would launch protests if the government failed to address the grievances of displaced people and protect their rights and livelihoods.
He maintained that the interests of local communities must be safeguarded before extending benefits to large industrial groups.
UNI DP
Tags: #Congress accuses Odisha Govt of flood failure# inadequate farmer relief and Kotia inaction
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