Don’t okay Mahadayi: Sena-MES to Fadnavis

Belagavi: Amidst frantic efforts by Karnataka government to get Mahadayi project implemented by taking Goa and Maharashtra governments into confidence out of court for an amicable settlement, leaders of Shiv Sena and Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) have dropped a bombshell urging Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis not to give his nod for Mahadayi project until the boundary dispute between Maharashtra-Karnataka is resolved.

Shiv Sena MP, Sanjay Rawoot and MES leaders from Belagavi region have written to the Maharashtra Chief Minister urging him to stall Kalasa-Banduri project, one of major works in Mahadayi basin, until the inter-state boundary disputes are resolved.

In his letter, Mr Rawoot suggested to the Chief Minister not hold discussions with the Karnataka government on Mahadayi issue until the boundary dispute case was settled.

The Maharashtra government should hold discussions with its Advocate General and leaders of MES before holding any talks over Mahadayi issue, he added.

He stated that Karnataka is trying to dig a canal to Mahadayi river to draw water. Assuming that its contention for water will turn weaker if it enters the tribunal, Karnataka government is trying to get the issue resolved out of tribunal, Mr Rawoot added.

Kannada organisations in the state have termed the letters unwarranted.

In a letter to Mr Fadnavis, the Action Committee of Kannada Organisations in Belagavi has urged him to reject the appeal made by MES and Sena.

“The contents of letters written to you (Mr Fadnavis) by Sena and MES have shocked Kannadigas. Implementation of Mahadayi project will help Kannada and Marathi people to overcome drinking water problem in north-Karnataka. Many leaders of MES have taken part in the agitations in the state for Mahadayi project,'' said the chairman of the committee.