Cong blames BJP for Mahadayi project delay

Bangalore, Jun 18(UNI) The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) today blamed the BJP-led NDA government for stalling the Mahadayi drinking water project.

KPCC General Secretary V S Ugrappa, in a press release here, charged the previous BJP-led NDA government at the Centre with staying the execution of the Mayadayi drinking water project following pressure from Manohar Parikkar, who headed the BJP government in Goa during 2002.

The Mayadayi water project was intended for providing drinking water to Hubli-Dharwar and other towns in Northern Karnataka, the Congress leader noted.

Stating that Congress in Karnataka was committed to the project, Mr Ugrappa said it was the Congress government in the state, which took the initiative for the diversion of Kalasa-Banduri river to meet the drinking water needs of Northern Karnataka.

Alleging that BJP had tried to politicise the statement of Congress President Sonia Gandhi on the Mayadayi issue during the recent Goa election, Mr Ugrappa threatened that Congress would launch a counter agitation against BJP.

He said Ms Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had already made their stand clear on the issue by conveying that the UPA government would extend all support to quench the thirst of people of Northern Karnataka.

UNI