Raj Minister Suresh Singh Rawat Criticises Congress Over Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project Controversy

Rajasthan's Water Resources Minister, Suresh Singh Rawat, criticised the Congress party over the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP). He accused them of spreading misinformation about the project. Rawat stated that the Congress is uncomfortable with the name 'Ram' in the project. The ERCP, now renamed Ram Jal Setu, links rivers between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

Rawat highlighted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma is making significant efforts to supply drinking water to 40% of Rajasthan's population. He accused Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra of lying and blamed his mentality for Congress's poor performance in recent by-elections.

Project Renaming and Political Accusations

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma recently renamed the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal project as Ram Jal Setu. Rawat claimed this renaming reflects a clear intention to address water issues in eastern Rajasthan. He mentioned that 17 districts will benefit from this project, which will provide 4.102 million cubic meters of water, including 522 MCM of recycled water.

Dotasra had criticised the BJP for merely rebranding ERCP to gain votes. He remarked, "No new work worth 1 paisa done for ERCP. BJP just put up a new cover to get votes." Rawat countered these claims by stating that no budget was allocated to ERCP by the previous Congress government.

Government Efforts and Opposition Criticism

The minister emphasised that the current government has given shape to the project due to efforts by Prime Minister Modi. He noted that a Memorandum of Understanding has been organised between Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and the Government of India. This agreement underscores the project's national importance.

Rawat accused Congress of failing to understand public sentiment and urged them to abandon their "politics of lies." He asserted that those who managed the government from hotels cannot grasp people's needs. The minister stressed that Chief Minister Sharma is tirelessly working for Rajasthan's development.

The ERCP was integrated with India's PKC river linking project, receiving national significance status. Rawat reiterated that Prime Minister Modi has kept his promise regarding this initiative. The minister urged Congress to focus on public welfare instead of engaging in political deceit.

The Ram Jal Setu Link Project aims to provide clean drinking water across several districts in Rajasthan. This initiative is part of a broader effort to solve drinking water and irrigation challenges in eastern Rajasthan, demonstrating a commitment to regional development.