BJD opposes 'government move' to set up private nuclear power plant in Odisha
BJD senior general secretary Lekhashree Samantsinghar claimed that the establishment of a nuclear power plant in Odisha would pose a serious threat to the health and safety of the people
The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has vehemently opposed the alleged plan to set up a nuclear power plant in Odisha, accusing the BJP-led State government of endangering public safety for corporate gain. The BJD's stance emerged following a meeting between a representative of a private company and Odisha's Deputy Chief Minister K.V.
Singh Deo, who oversees the energy department. At a press conference on August 5, 2026, BJD senior general secretary Lekhashree Samantsinghar asserted that establishing a nuclear power plant in Odisha would pose a grave threat to public health and safety. Samantsinghar alleged that the "double-engine government," influenced by its preference for private companies, has disregarded the safety and security of Odisha's citizens.
She cited the catastrophic nuclear disasters in Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Chernobyl, and Fukushima, highlighting the long-lasting damage and lack of compensation for victims. Samantsinghar argued that nuclear energy remains predominantly government-owned and controlled in other nations, with private entities not entrusted with ownership.
She contended that under the BJP government, this principle is being challenged, as the party is transferring nuclear energy to private companies for their own interests. Samantsinghar pointed out that India currently has 8.8 GW of nuclear power capacity under government ownership, and increasing it to 100 GW through private ownership would be dangerously irresponsible.
She questioned the administration's motives, suggesting that the BJP government is conspiring to privatize a strategically crucial sector like nuclear energy. Despite opposition within Parliament, the BJP government allegedly rushed through the Nuclear Energy Bill, intending to hand over ownership to private entities, according to the BJD leader.
Samantsinghar called for the BJP to abandon plans to establish a nuclear power plant in Odisha, warning the party of a mass agitation to protect the state's interests.
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