Centre's neutrality compromised in Mahanadi water dispute: BJD

New Delhi: The Biju Janata Dal on Wednesday accused the NDA government of compromising its neutrality in Odisha's dispute with Chhattisgarh over Mahanadi river water- sharing and sought an urgent debate in the Lok Sabha over setting up of a tribunal to resolve differences between the two states.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, BJD leader Bhartruhari Mahtab alleged that the BJP-led government has gone back on its word on establishing a tribunal as it had promised over a year ago.

Mahtab said the central government has conveyed to the Supreme Court that no tribunal would be set up to resolve the Mahanadi water dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

"Neutrality of the (central) government is compromised.

Not only in the government, but neutrality is compromised in the Supreme Court also. It is a fit case for taking up as an adjournment motion," he said after Speaker Sumitra Mahajan rejected an adjournment motion on the issue.

While Odisha is ruled by the BJD, Chhattisgarh is governed by the BJP.

When Mahtab repeatedly asked the Speaker to reconsider her decision, Mahajan said she realised it was an important issue but would consider other applications if submitted by the BJD like a "calling attention motion" to discuss the matter.