Mah politicians playing with people's emotions: Union Minister

Bangalore, Nov 10 (UNI) Union Minister of State for Planning M V Rajashekaran today accused the Maharashtra politicians of playing with the emotions of the people of Karnataka by repeatedly raking up border issue involving Belgaum district, settled long ago by the Mahajan Commission.

Speaking to media persons here he said the letter written by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil to Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan, calling for an understanding to unitedly fight Karnataka on border issues, was an act against the national integration. The leaders in Karnataka, irrespective of their party affiliations, would fight against the anti-national posture of the Maharashtra politicians with regard to the border row, he cautioned.

He said "Both the states have accepted the Mahajan Commission report and the Union government is also a party to it. The report on settlement of boundary issue is final and Maharashtra should accept it. It is very unfortunate that the politicians of our neighbouring state are using the border issue for political gains," he regretted.

Mr Rajashekaran said the leaders from different political parties in the state had already met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in this regard. They would continue to fight against 'the unethical acts' of the Maharashtra politicians, he added.

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, who had already reacted on Mr Patil's letter, had termed it as irresponsible and feared such utterings could disturb the unity and integrity of the country. He had urged the centre should to initiate action against the Deputy Chief Minsiter's statements that could trigger a serious law and order problem in Karnataka.

On the row between Karnataka and Goa with regard to Kalasa Banduri canal project to bring 7.5 tmc of drinking water from Mahadayi river to the parched Hubli-Dharwad twin-cities for which the Goan government had raised objections, he said that state government should consider the difficulties faced by the people who had suffered due severe shortage of drinking water for decades.

He said " We will take up the issue in the Winter session of the Parliament beginning on November 22. Karnataka Irrigation Minister feels that the centre may not come to the aid of Karnataka. The UPA government will cooperate with the state and help bring Mahadayi water to the water starved people of North Karnataka." UNI RS SR GM1421