Only mutual dialogue can settle Mahadayi impasse says Siddaramaiah

Mangalore Today News Network

Tumakuru Dec 28 2017DH News : The Mahadayi river water sharing dispute can only be resolved only through mutual dialogue between Karnataka and Goa states, said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, in Tumakuru on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters, he reiterated that the Karnataka government was willing to begin discussions at any time and hoped that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would mediate.

The CM said that State BJP President B S Yeddyurappa had promised to bring ’good news’ to the state’s farmers by December 15; but failed. "Hence the farmers are angry," he maintained.

"Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and Yeddyurappa together, are performing political stunts. The Goa Water Resources Minister himself has admitted to this," Siddaramaiah alleged.

"I had offered to go to Goa to speak with Parrikar. But he asked me to come after the elections. Ryots are sick of their drama and have taken to agitations," Siddaramaiah said.

The CM continued by saying "In my 40 years in politics, this is the first time that one party has staged a protest against another’s office. Yeddyurappa who made a mistake, is now diverting the attention of the people of the state. We are willing to find a solution for the water dispute but the PM has to intervene".

On the issue of increasing the reservation percentage in the state, Siddaramaiah said,"There are people for and against the Justice Sadashiva committee recommendations. I have called a meeting to discuss the issues".

On his own candidature for the 2018 polls Siddaramaiah clarified that he will contest from Chamundi constituency and nowhere else. "The person who gives me a ticket is Rahul Gandhi, not rumour mongers," he quipped.