Karnataka CM Vows Legal, Political Battle Over Goa's Mahadayi Remark

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his ministers on Wednesday lashed out at the BJP and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant over the latter's remark about the Mahadayi project.

Notably, Goa CM Sawant told the state legislative assembly that Union Minister for Environment and Forests Bhupendra Yadav has assured that the Central government will not okay the Mahadayi project.

Sawant also told the legislative assembly on Tuesday that the Goa government would file a contempt petition in the Supreme Court against the Karnataka government for carrying out activities aimed at diverting Mahadayi river water. The two states are locked in a decades-old dispute over the sharing of Mahadayi river water.

Now, CM Siddaramaiah said that the state government will fight it legally and politically. "Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his ministers on Wednesday lashed out at the BJP and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. The Goa CMs arrogant remark on the Mahadayi project is an insult to the people of Karnataka. Why hasnt the Union Govt officially communicated any concerns? Is this how federalism works under BJP? Backdoor sabotage, silence, and betrayal?" said Siddaramaiah.

The Karnataka CM asked whether Kannadigas are being punished for not surrendering to the BJP. "Mahadayi is not for luxury or waste, it is for the drinking water needs of North Karnataka. For decades, our people have waited for justice. But BJPs and Janata Dal (S) Karnataka leaders have no spine to speak up. Their silence today will be remembered tomorrow," he said.