Karnataka demands Sonia's clarification on Mahadayi project

Hubli, June 18 (UNI) Karnataka Water Resources Minister K S Eshwarappa today demanded a clarification from UPA Chairperson and Congress President Sonia Gandhi on her reported statement during electioneering in Goa on Mahadayi diversion project.

Talking to newspersons here after presiding over a meeting of people's representatives of Belgaum, Dharwad, Gadag and Haveri, which gets the benefit from the drinking water project, he said he believed in the explanation given by the state Congress leaders who met Ms Gandhi in New Delhi two days ago over her statement on Kalasa Bandori.

''But, when a leader of Ms Gandhi's stature makes a statement, the ministers and officials concerned of Center would think twice before submitting an affidavit called by the Supreme Court on the issue.

Hence, there is a need for Ms Gandhi to clarify her statement,'' he said.

Replying to a question, the minister said the government was serious on taking up the matter with the Election Commission and on initiating other actions against Ms Gandhi. However, it had to be discussed at proper platform before any action is taken.

He also urged the Centre to clear the abeyance order on the project.

Mr Ishwarappa said the government was seriously considering to soon take an all-party delegation to the Centre demanding clearance for the long pending Kalsa-Bandori drinking water project to divert Mahadayi river waters to Malaprabha river to cater to the drinking water needs of several towns and cities of north Karnataka region.

The minister assured the participants that there was no question of stopping the ongoing work on Kalsa-Bandori project and sought the cooperation of all political parties.

If the situation demands, Karnataka was ready to fight 'Politically' and 'Legally' for the project.

UNI