THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
Following its embarrassing loss in the Karnataka Assembly polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has chosen to remain silent regarding the completion of the disputed irrigation project at Kalsa-Bhandura, which was a prime focus in their manifesto.
At a press conference held in BJP Goa headquarters on Monday, the party’s national general secretary C T Ravi said the party would refrain from commenting on the contentious issue to avoid further controversy.
“BJP doesn’t politicize any issue but any statement (on Mhadei) becomes a dispute. I can only say that the matter is in the court and whatever decision is pronounced, all States should follow it,” Ravi, also Goa desk in-charge said in reply to a media question on the ongoing debate around Mhadei inter-state water dispute.
Amid raging controversy between Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra over the sharing of Mhadei water, BJP’s manifesto in Karnataka assured its people to complete the disputed irrigation project at Kalsa-Bhandura.
The party faced a severe backlash from the Opposition parties and environmentalists in Goa, but unfazed, BJP leaders from Goa campaigned for the party candidates in Karnataka.
Ravi also expressed his perspective on the reasons behind the party’s loss in Karnataka highlighting that the party’s failure to match the work ethic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a contributing factor. He further accused the Congress party of working in favour of Adani and Ambani while justifying that PM Modi prioritized the welfare of the needy population.
“Several factors played a role in the defeat, including the loss of votes due to guarantee cards, which amounted to 100-200 votes per polling booth. We were unable to establish a compelling narrative in Karnataka and we take responsibility for this mistake,” he added.Notwithstanding this defeat, Ravi said the party is confident to win the upcoming Lok Sabha polls with a huge margin of over 350 seats including both the seats from Goa.
