Team Herald
PANJIM: Two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured to look for an ‘amicable solution’ on the Mhadei water diversion issue, the BJP ally in Goa – Goa Forward Party (GFP) – said the State government will never comprise on Mhadei.
GFP president Vijai Sardesai, who is a minister in the Manohar Parrikar-led cabinet, said the State government is committed towards protecting the interest of the State and its people. “We have come to protect our interest and not Karnataka’s interest. And we will protect our interest,” he said.
“Senior Counsel Sushant Nadkarni has fought a great battle before the tribunal on the Mhadei issue. The interest of Goa will never be compromised by this government,” he added.
Sardesai was reacting to a volley of statements made by various leaders, including Prime Minister Modi, BJP national president Amit Shah and Goa Congress Chief Girish Chodankar on the Mhadei issue.
The Minister also challenged the Congress to make its stand clear on the matter. “Principal opposition party (Congress) is not willing put out its stand because it is going to be affected in Karnataka and you want me to open my mouth,” Sardesai stated.
Earlier speaking, State Water Resources Minister Vinod Palyekar refused to comment on the issue. “What can I say on the statement by the Prime Minister? I can’t say anything on the rights of the Prime Minister,” he said.
Parrikar, in December, had written to Karnataka BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa, stating that Government of Goa is willing to consider the request to work out an amicable settlement strictly restricted to drinking water only to the drought prone areas.
The letter had sparked political controversy in both States with farmers in Karnataka resorting to massive protests.
