PM Modi reluctant on Mahadayi project due to fear of Goa politics: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah

Hubballi: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is disinclined to grant environmental clearance for the Mahadayi project due to the fear of political consequences in Goa.

Speaking to reporters at the Hubballi Airport on Sunday, Siddaramaiah stated that the state government is ready to take up the Mahadayi project, but it requires clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. However, the Centre has neglected the issue.

"Once we receive the necessary approval, we will immediately start the work," he added.

He also noted that on several occasions, appeals have been made and letters have been written to Modi and other union ministers to secure the clearance.

“Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, who holds a key portfolio at the Centre and represents Karnataka, could have helped obtain the approval. Instead, he is spending time blaming the state government and remains silent on the Mahadayi issue,” the CM said.

Siddaramaiah also mentioned that the Congress government in the state will complete two years in office on May 20.

“We will organise a public meeting in Vijayanagara district to mark the occasion and present the achievements of the government in the last two years,” he added.