Goa CM’s remarks an ‘insult to the people of Karnataka’: Siddu

Bengaluru: Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s remarks on the Mahadayi river dispute provoked a sharp response from his Karnataka counterpart Siddaramaiah who dubbed the former’s statements an ‘insult to the people of Karnataka’.

Sawant, while addressing the Goa Assembly, had claimed that the Centre would not approve the Mahadayi Project. He further claimed that Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav had assured him as much. Siddaramaiah, and Karnataka Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs H K Patil both questioned the Centre’s silence on Sawant’s remarks, besides demanding that the Kalsa-Banduri Nala Project be immediately cleared.

Accusing the BJP-led central government of ‘backdoor sabotage, silence and betrayal’, Siddaramaiah said, “Why has the Centre not officially communicated its concerns? Is this how federalism works under the BJP? Are we being punished for not surrendering to the BJP?”

Underscoring the importance of Mahadayi River’s waters, Siddaramaiah added, “The project is vital to meeting the drinking water requirements of the people of North Karnataka. Why are the BJP and JD(S) leaders in the state silent on this issue?”

Patil, meanwhile, sought to remind everyone that the Inter-State River Water Dispute Tribunal’s order apportioning 3.9tmcft of water to Karnataka had been notified in the gazette, and was therefore legally binding. “The Central Water Commission approved our detailed project report (DPR) on December 29, 2022, while the Supreme Court dismissed Goa’s interim plea on April 19, 2023,” said Patil, adding that the issue would be tabled for discussion in the upcoming legislature session scheduled to commence on August 11.

Reminding the Centre that the project would reach 40 lakh people in North Karnataka, Patil accused the Union Government of deliberately stalling any progress. Both Patil and the CM said that the state government would fight legally, morally, and politically to secure Karnataka’s rights.