BJP trying to pull a political stunt over Mahadayi issue: HDK

The ruling Congress and the JD(S) on Thursday described Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar giving inprinciple approval for utilising Mahadayi river water for Karnataka's drinking water needs as "political gimmick with an eye on votes."

"The dispute is decades old. (Chief Minister) Siddaramaiah had written several times to (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi seeking his intervention. With the elections nearing, the Centre is suddenly showing interest," KPCC president G Parameshwara told reporters.

JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy said that the BJP was trying to hoodwink farmers of north Karnataka by giving "false" assurances with regard to Mahadayi issue. The BJP is merely trying to pull a political stunt as the elections were nearing, he charged.

He said that the farmers of the region should not get carried away by Parrikar's assurances as he was not in a position to meet their demands.

"Parrikar's letter is not official. His assurances hold no merit as the letter is not addressed to the chief minister or the water resources minister. Moreover, the Goa chief minister is not in a position to give his consent to release water. Karnataka's demands can be met only if Prime Minister Narendra Modi gives directions to the Ministry of Water Resources," Kumaraswamy said.