Karnataka - Hassan   

Mahadayi river dispute must not be referred to tribunal: Nanje Gowda

Staff Correspondent

MAKING A POINT: Former Minister H.N. Nanje Gowda addressing presspersons in Hassan on Friday.

HASSAN: Former Irrigation Minister H.N. Nanje Gowda has accused the Centre of "step-motherly" treatment to Karnataka and has said the State would be deprived of its share of water if the Mahadayi river dispute was referred to the Krishna Tribunal. He urged MPs from Karnataka to pressure the Centre not to refer the issue to the tribunal.

Addressing presspersons here on Friday, he said the river originated in Karnataka flowed through Goa before joining the sea.

Of the total of 185 tmc, Karnataka's share was 45 tmc. The State wanted to divert 15 to 20 tmc for drinking water. But Goa had objected to this.

Objections

When Goa raised objections, the Water Resources Ministry and Environment Ministry directed Karnataka to stop its projects.

When the Goa Government approached the Supreme Court to direct Karnataka to stop executing works and for a further stay, the court did not give stay and instead sought a clarification from the Centre as to whether clearance from the Centre was necessary for States when the latter was executing works from its own funds.

Mr. Nanje Gowda said for State-funded projects, there was no need for clearance from the Centre. He wanted former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda to take up the issue with Centre.

Inquiry sought

Mr. Nanje Gowda has appealed the Lokayukta to inquire into assets of politicians. He wanted to know from where Mr. Deve Gowda got Rs. 50 crore for the Chamundeswari election.

He said the Supreme Court in its recent verdict had made it clear to the Lokayukta that there was no need for sanction from the Government to prosecute officers and politicians. "The people of Karnataka have not given a mandate to Mr. Deve Gowda to rule the State.

Mr. Deve Gowda declared the Chamundeswari election as "Dharma Yuddha", but the people rejected him," he added.

He charged that Mr. Deve Gowda had got late Ramakrishna Hegde removed from the party after becoming Prime Minister, and now when his son was the Chief Minister, he had dismissed former Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramiah, P.G.R. Sindhia and others from the party.

With regard to reorganisation of Assembly constituencies, Mr. Nanje Gowda accused Mr. Deve Gowda (who is a member of the commission) of dividing Hassan district community-wise and added that this was a dangerous move.

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