Will clear issue about talks with Goa CM before Nov 1: Shettar

Stating that efforts are being made to convince Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar to come for talks to resolve the Mahadayi dispute out-of-the-tribunal, Leader of Opposition in Legislative Assembly Jagadish Shettar assured Mahadayi agitators to give them clear information in this regard before November 1.

When a delegation of Raitha Sena Karnataka, which is leading the Mahadayi agitation at Nargund in Gadag district, met Mr Shettar at his residence at Madhura Estate here on Friday, he said, “there are some positive developments, and all that cannot be disclosed”.

"I have a hope that Goa CM would come for talks, and State BJP President B S Yeddyurappa is also working in that direction," he said.

Raitha Sena Karnataka President Veeresh Sobaradmath asked Mr Shettar to join the agitation, if his efforts to convince Goa CM fail.

“If the efforts to hold talks bring no result within 15 days, we will not allow any political party to conduct their election rallies in the region, while next Assembly elections will also be boycotted, and roads to Goa will be blocked,” he said, adding that 'Parliament Chalo' would also be organised if needed.

Shankarappa Ambali lamented that Mahadayi agitators were not allowed to submit memorandum to Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu when he visited Nargund, while baseless cases are also being filed against the agitators.

Political parties would soon be busy with electioneering, and therefore, the inter-State dispute over Mahadayi water sharing should be resolved before elections, he said.

As Kannadigas are being treated badly in Goa, Kannadigas there should be brought back to Karnataka. We are just seeking our share of water in Mahadayi basin, Mr Ambali added.