Team Herald
PANJIM: Amidst sustained debate over Mhadei River water diversion, Goa BJP has pinned its hope on BJP National President Amit Shah for resolving the ongoing dispute. The State BJP Unit has at the same time expressed its confidence over Mhadei Water Disputes Tribunal, which is currently hearing the matter on fast track.
“Shah will solve the problem… We have faith in the Tribunal also…We are waiting for the Tribunal order… We (BJP) will find a solution after the Karnataka election,” BJP State President Vinay Tendulkar said responding to media queries on Sunday. The party chief however clarified that Goa BJP’s stand on the issue – declining Karnataka’s request to divert water for drinking purpose in its drought areas – remains unchanged.
Addressing a press conference in poll-bound Karnataka last month, Shah had said the BJP would solve the Mhadei river water sharing dispute between Goa and Karnataka if voted to power. “I assure the State’s people that if the BJP is voted to power, it will solve the Mhadei water issue,” he had said.
Referring to Shah’s assurance to the people of Karnataka, Goa Water Resource Minister Vinod Palyekar had opined that such statements should be avoided as the verdict of the tribunal on the issue is due.
The Congress and Shiv Sena in Goa had launched a stinging attack at Shah for making this assurance stating that Goans were being taken for granted on the issue despite the entire State unanimous in its opposition to the diversion. Karnataka is going to polls in the next couple of months.
