Odisha's Nuclear Power Plant Debate: BJD and BJP Clash Over Public Safety Concerns

Heated Debate Over Nuclear Power Plant in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: A fierce exchange erupted between the ruling BJP and the Opposition BJD regarding the Odisha government's purported plans to set up a nuclear power facility in the state.

The BJD initially raised concerns two days prior, following a meeting between corporate representatives and Odisha's Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo, who oversees the Energy department. However, the specifics of their discussions remain undisclosed.

Lekhashree Samantsinghar, a senior general secretary of the BJD, expressed strong opposition to the government's initiative, accusing it of prioritizing corporate interests over public health and safety.

She warned that a nuclear power plant in Odisha could significantly endanger the well-being of its residents.

Samantsinghar further alleged that a private entity has proposed a 3,000 MW nuclear power plant in the region.

In response, the BJP criticized the BJD for allegedly misleading the public regarding nuclear energy.

Odisha BJP spokesperson Anil Biswal questioned the BJD's stance, asking what negative impacts nuclear power plants have had in states like Karnataka, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.

Biswal asserted that the proposed nuclear facility would not jeopardize public safety.

BJP MLA Santosh Khatua also endorsed the idea of establishing a nuclear power plant in Odisha, recalling that former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik had attempted a similar initiative during his tenure from 1990 to 1995, which was thwarted by a lack of developers.

Khatua criticized the BJD for opposing the vision of Biju Patnaik, the party's namesake.

BJD leaders countered that pursuing a nuclear power plant is unnecessary, as Odisha is already a 'power plus' state, generating around 9,000 MW while consuming only 6,500 MW daily. They argued that such a project could pose risks to public safety.

Samantsinghar emphasized the dangers associated with entrusting sensitive projects to private companies, highlighting the inherent risks of nuclear energy. She noted that in many countries, nuclear energy remains under government control, with no private ownership.

She accused the BJP government of undermining this principle by allowing private companies to manage nuclear energy, prioritizing their interests over the safety of Odisha's citizens.

The BJD has vowed to initiate a statewide protest if the government does not halt its plans.