PM refused to mediate a settlement in Mahadayi water dispute

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lamented that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had refused to mediate a settlement in the Mahadayi river water sharing dispute between Karnataka and Goa.

He was speaking to reporters at Gokak on Thursday afternoon.  

"When I met the PM with an all-party delegation, he refused to mediate and settle the dispute. Now that state elections are nearing, (BJP National President) Amit Shah is holding meetings between Karnataka and Goa representatives."

"BJP leaders remain mum during the meeting and Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parikkar has not reacted," Siddaramaiah said.  

"We want a written reaction from the Goa state government and a written assurance from them to be submitted to the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal," the CM said.  

BJP to 'wait and watch'  

Meanwhile, BJP State Secretary C T Ravi said the party is committed to taking up the cause of Karnataka in the Mahadayi dispute.    

"But we are waiting to see what stance the Goa Congress takes on the issue," he informed.  

Ravi's statement was a reaction to questions on Goa Forward party MLAs' opposition to a proposed compromise between Karnataka and Goa over the river water dispute.  

"It is quite natural for any regional party to fight for local issues. Which is why we want to wait for the Goa Congress' reaction. But Karnataka BJP is eager for a settlement with the Goa government and thereby, a solution to the deadlock," he averred.