PANAJI
Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, Waterways and Tourism Shripad Naik has taken the lead to put in his papers if the Centre refuses to withdraw the approval granted to DPR for the Kalasa-Bhandura project in Karnataka even as Chief Minister Pramod Sawant called for meeting of all MLAs at Assembly complex on Monday at 4 pm.
As the controversy around the Centre’s abrupt decision touched its third day on Saturday, a visibly upset Naik, also representing the North Goa Lok Sabha constituency, slammed the government for 'going ahead with a single engine decision in the matter.'
“I will resign if the Centre does not listen to Goa's grievances on the issue and revoke the order. The Centre has taken a one-sided decision. The double engine government has gone away with a single engine on the issue,” Naik said.
The Union Minister further urged Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to take an all-party delegation to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi to press for Goa’s demand to protect the State’s lifeline.
Earlier, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao also asked Sawant to devote time to lead an all-party delegation to Modi while also demanding to table relevant papers in the upcoming Assembly session.
Amid backlash from political opponents that Sawant was informed well in advance about the order, Naik came in support of the CM claiming that Goa was kept in the dark. “We are in constant touch with the Centre and the relevant authorities over Mhadei but at the time of taking this decision, Goa was not informed,” he added.
While the CM is yet to react to his senior leader's statement, Naik also assured to approach the Supreme Court against the order, if needed as he also called out to all the Opposition leaders to stay united on the issue.
“The Central Water Commission accepting the DPR of Karnataka is an injustice to the people of Goa. We all oppose this order and if needed, I will approach the Supreme Court,” Naik said.
BJP State leader Savio Rodrigues also indicated a biased decision as he urged PM Modi to reconsider the approval granted to the poll-bound neighbouring State. “It is with all humility Prime Minister @narendramodi that I appeal for a reconsideration on grounds of equality and justice over the Centre’s decision to accept Karnataka’s DPR on Mhadei River.
I have full faith in your wisdom to act in the interest of the people of Goa. I understand the nuances behind the Mhadei River issue. I agree that there has to be an equitable balance in decisions. The decision taken at the moment is not just or equitable for Goa. I believe as our leader you will follow principles of justice & equality,” he posted in his two-thread tweet on Saturday.
Sawant has come under severe criticism over the issue with Opposition leaders also demanding his resignation from the chair. The party is yet to give its official reaction on the raging controversy.
