Siddaramaiah slams Goa CM over Mahadayi remarks
In a statement, Siddaramaiah questioned the Centre's failure to officially respond to Karnataka's repeated representations on the issue. "Is this what federalism looks like under BJP rule – betrayal, sabotage from behind closed doors, and a calculated silence?" he asked.
The controversy intensified after the Goa Chief Minister reiterated his government's firm opposition to any diversion of the Mahadayi river, asserting that the water must continue to flow into the state to meet essential drinking water needs and sustain the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary ecosystem.
"Our issue is simple — the Mahadayi river water that comes to Goa must keep flowing. We need it for drinking, and it is also the lifeline of the Mahadayi Wildlife Sanctuary. The survival of wildlife there depends on this water," the Goa CM said.
He further added that Goa would continue to pursue the matter in all legal forums. "Whether it is the Supreme Court or the Tribunal, our fight will go on. We will fight this case in the Supreme Court till the very end," he asserted.
Reacting sharply to these remarks, Siddaramaiah reiterated that the Mahadayi project is not meant for luxury or wasteful use, but is a "lifeline" for over 40 lakh people in the parched districts of Belagavi, Dharwad, Gadag, Bagalkot, and surrounding areas. 'What crime have Kannadigas committed? Are we being punished for not surrendering to the BJP?' he asked.
He also hit out at BJP and JD(S) leaders in Karnataka for their silence, calling it 'shameful and spineless.' 'Their silence today will be remembered tomorrow,' the Chief Minister warned.
Despite the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal's 2018 verdict allocating 13.42 TMC of water to Karnataka, Siddaramaiah alleged that the Centre, in collusion with Goa's BJP government, was stalling the project's implementation through indirect means.
Reaffirming his government's commitment to the cause, Siddaramaiah said: 'We will fight legally, politically, and morally until our people receive what is rightfully theirs.'
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