Mahadayi Project: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Alleges “Betrayal” by Centre and Goa Govt

Bengaluru, Karnataka – A fierce political controversy has erupted over the long-standing Mahadayi river water dispute, with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launching a scathing attack on the Central government and the Goa administration. The Chief Minister has accused them of being “hand-in-glove” and actively “blocking the implementation of the Mahadayi project,” which he asserts is a lifeline for millions in North Karnataka.

The latest salvo from CM Siddaramaiah comes in response to remarks made by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who reportedly claimed in the Goa Assembly that Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav had assured him the Centre would, under no circumstances, clear the Mahadayi project. Siddaramaiah swiftly condemned Sawant’s statement as an “insult to the people of Karnataka.”

The Mahadayi Project Stalemate: A Deepening Crisis

The Mahadayi project stalemate has been a decades-long bone of contention between Karnataka and Goa. Karnataka seeks to divert water from the Mahadayi river’s tributaries, Kalasa and Banduri, to meet the acute drinking water needs of its northern districts. However, Goa has consistently opposed the project, citing environmental concerns and its own dependence on the river, which it calls the Mandovi.

CM Siddaramaiah’s recent accusations highlight several critical points:

• Allegations of “Backdoor Sabotage”: The Chief Minister questioned the very fabric of federalism under the current BJP rule, asking, “Is this how federalism works under BJP? Backdoor sabotage, silence, and betrayal?” He expressed dismay over the Union Government’s alleged lack of official communication regarding any concerns about the project.
• Betrayal of Kannadigas: Siddaramaiah emotionally questioned, “What crime have Kannadigas committed? Are we being punished for not surrendering to the BJP?” emphasizing the deep sense of injustice felt by the people of Karnataka.
• Drinking Water Priority: He firmly stated that the Mahadayi project is not a luxury but a fundamental necessity for drinking water. He underscored its vital role in quenching the thirst of over 40 lakh people across districts like Belagavi, Dharwad, Gadag, and Bagalkot. “It is a lifeline, not a bargaining chip,” he asserted.
• Disregard for Tribunal Verdict: The Chief Minister pointed out that despite the 2018 tribunal verdict allocating 13.42 TMC of water to Karnataka, the Centre, in alleged collusion with Goa’s BJP government, is actively obstructing the implementation of this rightful allocation.
• Silence of Karnataka’s BJP and JD(S) Leaders: Siddaramaiah did not shy away from criticizing opposition leaders within Karnataka. He lambasted BJP and Janata Dal (S) leaders from the state, accusing them of lacking the courage to speak up on the matter, warning that “Their silence today will be remembered tomorrow.”
• Vow to Fight for Rights: Reaffirming his government’s commitment, Siddaramaiah declared that Karnataka would “fight legally, politically, and morally until Karnataka gets its rightful share.” This indicates a strong resolve to pursue all avenues to secure the state’s water rights.

Karnataka Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil also echoed the Chief Minister’s sentiments, expressing shock over the Goa CM’s statement and reiterating the need for the Centre to grant immediate approval, keeping in mind the welfare of the people and farmers of North Karnataka.

The Mahadayi project stalemate continues to be a volatile issue, intertwining interstate water disputes with complex political dynamics. The accusations of obstruction and betrayal from Karnataka’s leadership signal a heightened period of confrontation, with the future of this crucial drinking water project hanging in the balance. As millions await a resolution, the call for justice and the rightful allocation of water for North Karnataka grows louder.