Date:02/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/02/stories/2007060203370400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Mahadayi: Sonia's remarks criticised

Special Correspondent

Bangalore: Congress president Sonia Gandhi's statement in Goa two days ago that the Centre would not allow the diversion of Mahadayi waters, which is the subject of an inter-State dispute between Karnataka and Goa, has evoked criticism here.

The Janata Dal (United) leader Basavaraj Bommai, MLC, has criticised Ms. Gandhi's statement made during the campaign for the Goa Assembly elections. She said the United Progressive Alliance Government would ensure justice for Goa.

In a statement here on Friday, Mr. Bommai said the matter relating to the sharing of Mahadayi waters between Karnataka and Goa was sub judice as it was pending before the Supreme Court. Therefore, it was improper for the Congress president to make any statement on the matter since there was the possibility that it would influence the court.

Karnataka's share in the waters of the Mahadayi river, which is known as the Mandovi in Goa, is 45 tmcft. The State has been seeking to implement the Kalasa-Banduri nala scheme to divert a portion of the water to provide drinking water to Hubli and Dharwad and some villages en route.

In another statement, State Samajwadi Party president S. Bangarappa said it was highly irresponsible on Ms. Gandhi's part to support one State at the cost of another merely to garner votes in the Goa elections.

All Congressmen from Karnataka and the people of the State should condemn the statement of the Congress president.

Mr. Bangarappa said it was the duty of the Union Government to intervene and resolve disputes between States and political party leaders should stay clear of such issues. "When I was Chief Minister, I held discussions with the then Chief Minister of Goa, Ravi Naik, but the Chief Ministers who succeeded me did not attempt to arrive at a negotiated settlement, resulting in the present litigation."