Is Odisha Govt Shelving Nuclear Privatisation Under Opposition Pressure?

Odisha’s opposition leader Biju Janata Dal’s Naveen Patnaik has given a veiled threat to the BJP-led state government that he would launch a state-wide agitation if the Odisha government goes ahead with its plans to open the nuclear power space to the private sector. Patnaik, the former chief minister of Odisha, has cited the precedence of Fukushima (Japan) and Chernobyl (Ukraine) disasters and long-term environmental health risks. Responding to opposition’s resistance, the Majhi government is treading cautiously about opening the door to private sector players like the Adani Group, Tata Group including public sector NTPC. According to deputy CM Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo “atomic energy projects demand rigorous safety protocols and strict site clearances” thus giving indication it may be temporarily shelved till the heat dies down.  Odisha watchers say “BJP is not giving up on nuclear power plant privatisation in Odisha, instead it is waiting for the right time to give the corporates the go ahead. BJD is simply politicizing the nuclear power issue. It may be recalled that Naveen Patnaik’s father Biju Patnaik had also pursued nuclear energy power during his time but had to give it up as they did not have access to technology and investment partners.