People of Odisha and different political parties have been demanding special category status to the state to ensure speedy development, but the Centre has been continuously dismissing the plea.
In response to the continuous denial, BCJD state president, Rana Pratap Patra said that activists of Biju Yuva Janata Dal (BYJD) and Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD) will stage protest demonstrations at all district headquarters across Odisha. Another agenda od the protest will be fall in water flow in the Mahanadi due to construction of barrages on the river in Chhattisgarh.
Union Minister V K Singh recently remarked that Odisha does not need special category state status and Patra termed this remark as unfortunate. Talking about the Mahanadi issue, Patra said that with the building of barrages on the river in Chhattisgarh, it has deprived the people of odisha, especially the farmers of water for agriculture and drinking purposes. BJD also accused the NDA government at the centre for backing the government in Chhattisgarh, over the Mahanadi issue.
The ruling BJD, also held a bandh in four western Odisha districts on June 9, is demanding immediate opening of the gates of Kalma barrage so that the flow of Mahanadi into Odisha from Chhattisgarh does not get affected.