Team Herald

VALPOI: Stating that around 161 organizations had extended support to them, Mhadei Bachao Andolan (MBA) convenor Subhash Velingkar, warned the BJP government that if they fail to take appropriate action, then their movement will eliminate MLAs in the coming elections.

He was speaking at the public meeting organized by MBA, as part of their taluka-wise protests, which has garnered a good response.

Elaborating further, Velingkar urged gram sabhas and village panchayats to come forward and take resolutions to protect Mhadei River. He added that they will soon be asking the MLAs to clear their stand on the issues and if needed, will demand that they withdraw support to the State government.

The meeting held on Thursday, which was their fifth meeting, was attended by around 200 locals.

“Though we are in small numbers, we will fight to protect Mhadei River and this issue is very serious and we will be on the battle field until we get justice. The Goa government should support and act in the interest of the people. The local MLAs of Sattari taluka should be with people of Goa and not in favour of Karnataka,” said MBA convenor Elvis Gomes.

“This movement will be taking a new dimension and professional people including students should come forward to support this movement. Our government is working for the BJP party and the feel that they can sacrifice Mhadei River in order to expend BJP. Despite having surplus water, we are facing acute shortage in various parts of Goa. So imagine if Mhadei diverted what will happen to people of Goa. Initially Sattari will be severely affected,” added Arvind Bhatikar, MBA convenor.

Velingkar added that Karnataka has more political weightage compared to Goa and that is why the State government is working in the interest of the party and not the State.

“No single MLA and MP of Goa have raised their voice against the injustice meted out to Goa with respect to Mhadei River,” Velingkar added.