Panaji
According to media reports emerging from across the border, Karnataka CM K Siddaramaiah has cited a letter written by Goa's Chief Secretary to his Karnataka counterpart that no talks could take place till by-polls were conducted in Goa taking this to mean that talks could begin after the by polls are conducted.
Speaking to media persons after emerging from an all party meet on the issue, Siddaramaiah is reported to have said his government had made two futile attempts at talks with Goa for an amicable solution to the Mhadei dispute.
"BJP leaders from Karnataka too have volunteered to talk to Goa CM Manohar Parrikar after August 28 to persuade him to hold talks on the Mhadei dispute," Siddaramaiah was quoted in a Deccan Chronicle report.
According to the report, BJP leader K.S. Eshwarappa had asked him to speak to the Goa Congress leaders as well on the dispute.
"Usually, when a Chief Minister-level meeting takes place, all-party members are taken into confidence. But as the BJP is insisting, I will talk to Congress leaders in Goa. I have, however, told them that it cannot be a pre-condition to them meeting Parikkar," Siddaramaiah was quoted as saying.
A report in The Hindu quoted Siddaramaiah as saying that Karnataka has decided to hold talks with Goa after a BJP delegation led by B S Yeddyurappa convinces Goa on the need for an out-of-court settlement.
The delegation is expected to meet the Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar after the by-polls to two assembly constituencies in Goa is held on August 23.
