PANJIM: Congress on Friday slammed Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar for writing to the BJP Karnataka president BS Yeddyurappa and agreeing for bilateral talks on the Mhadei water sharing. The party has threatened state-wise protests if the government agrees to release water to Karnataka.
Addressing the media jointly with Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Shantaram Naik, Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco said, “Manohar Parrikar has gone against the interest of Goa and Goemkars by taking a decision to allow Karnataka to lift water of the Mhadei when the matter is pending before the Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal.”
Lourenco questioned the motive behind Parrikat talking to BS Yeddyurappa and not the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah. He alleged that
Parrikar has taken the decision to influence the upcoming Karnataka Assembly elections in 2018.
“The only reason for Manohar Parrikar to take the anti-Goa and anti-Goemkar decision on Mhadei water is to win by all deceptive means the 2018 State Assembly elections for BJP in Karnataka by maiming forever Goa’s rights connected to water security, ecology and environment,” he added.
Lourenco demanded a statement from PWD Minister Ramkrishna (Sudin) Dhavalikar on the status of water requirements of Goa and the supply of water through the basin. He said, “Considering the projected water needs of Goa, it has been established by the committee of experts that Mhadei is a water deficit basin and hence there is no scope for water diversion.”
Naik said that in the case of Mhadei water there was no issue of sharing water as Goa did not ask for any quantum of water from Karnataka and on the contrary demanded that all the constructions erected by Karnataka over the river be demolished so that the natural flow of the water is not obstructed. He accused Parrikar of betraying Goans by agreeing to sign an agreement with Karnataka.
He said, “The most dangerous part of the proposed agreement between Goa and Karnataka would be that the agreement may appear to be interim compromise but in reality Parrikar is going to sign a final compromise agreement to the detriment of Goa’s interest.”
Naik alleged that Parrikar has functioned at the behest of BJP National President Amit Shah and taken a U-turn in the matter.
Appreciating the work of Additional Solicitor General of India, Atmaram Nadkarni, in the case before the Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal, Naik said that Parrikar has backstabbed the State’s counsel. “Nadkarni who fought the case in the right spirit to protect Goa’s interest should resign from his job as counsel and save his honour and dignity and protect the interests of the State,” Naik added.
