Team Herald
PANJIM: With the United Opposition having mounted pressure on the government to submit a white paper on Mhadei, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has charged them with “unnecessarily politicising” the issue. Sawant has also refused to heed to the demand of the United Opposition that sought a white paper in 30 days.
“Opposition parties are unnecessarily politicising the issue. Goa will 110 per cent win the case in the Supreme Court. We have filed a special leave petition challenging the award given by Inter State Water Dispute Tribunal on Mhadei river,” he said on Wednesday.
The SC, which is hearing the SLP in its interim order, has in a recent order, allowed notification of the award. Goa’s plea seeking interim relief restraining Karnataka from carrying out construction activities at Kalsa-Bhandura site is listed for hearing on March 2.
“Those accusing my government of failing to protect the interest of the river are responsible for the current situation. When they were in power, ask them, what they have done to save Mhadei River? They are responsible for the situation that we are currently facing,” he said, pointing fingers at the opposition.
Sawant said that cutting across political lines the opposition parties should have supported the State government on the issue. “This is the issue of the State, not of Pramod Sawant. We have put up a very strong case based on evidence before the Court. Goa will win the case,” he said.
The United Opposition, on Monday had demanded a white paper within 30 days, falling which they threatened to launch an agitation.
The opposition leaders have questioned the manner in which the government has handled the case, while accusing Sawant of being ‘incapable’ and ‘compromising’ on Mhadei to save his chair till the end of the term.
