Protest against Sonia's reported statement

Belgaum, Karnataka, June 3 (UNI) Pro-Kannada organisations staged a protest here today against the reported statement of Congress President Sonia Gandhi on the Mahadayi drinking water project during electioneering in Goa.

They burnt an effigy of Ms Gandhi at Kittur Chennamma circle and shouted slogans against her stand, stating that this was ''injustice to the people of Karnataka.'' Activists called for a bandh tomorrow in Nargund and Navalgund, the area benefitted by the project.

Meanwhile, in Gadag, Home Minister M P Prakash said the State Cabinet would take a final decision on initiating action against Ms Gandhi on two counts -- for violating election code of conduct and reacting on a matter that was subjudice as the State's case was pending before the Supreme Court.

''Ms Gandhi said the party would oppose the project. This is a drinking water project and Karnataka is building it within the State limits. The matter is in the court and Ms Gandhi should not have said this,'' he regretted.

UNI