Bengaluru: Industries minister R.V. Deshpande on Friday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not taking an initiative to convene a meeting of the three riparian states to resolve the Mahadayi river dispute inspite of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urging him to do so during the all-party delegation meet in New Delhi recently. "Somehow, Prime Minister has not taken the lead. Our legislature also has passed a resolution requesting PM's leadership," he said after announcing ThinkBig Summit for women entrepreneurs in Bengaluru.
The Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal headed by J.M. Panchal, during a hearing in New Delhi on Thursday, had suggested that the CMs of the three sparring states-Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra-can hold talks and resolve the dispute amicably, instead of seeking Centre's intervention. The hearing was adjourned to October 3. Asked how would the government justify its demand urging the PM to intervene when the Tribunal had suggested an amicable solution through talks, Deshpande said: "What is wrong to make an attempt to resolve a problem. I don't think it is wrong. If he succeeds it is good for the nation and states".
