In a major political move, for the first time the BJP has assured the voters of north Karnataka that the party would resolve contentious Mahadayi issue if voted to power. BJP national president Amit Shah on Monday said in a press meet at Kaluburgi in north Karnataka that BJP will settle the Mahadayi river water sharing dispute between Karnataka and Goa, if it comes to power in the State. Contentious Mahadayi issue has become a major political issue in the poll bound Karnataka.
He said “The issue would have been laid to rest if Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had cooperated with us earlier. Even now, there are people who are creating problems. Hence, the delay. If the people of the State place their faith in us and bring us to power, a solution for Mahadayi will happen.”
BJP chief said as most Muslim women supported the ban on triple talaq and his party would bring a law to ban triple talaq.” We are committed to provide equal authority and rights to women,” he added.
Shah demanded that the State Government has to buy the toor dal produced by farmers in the State at a support price.” Waiving farmer loans by roping in nationalised banks, is left to the new Government that comes to power in the State’, he added.
“The centre has bought 25.67 lakh quintals of toor dal under the support price scheme. State Government has to buy 1.74 lakh quintals only. Even if the State Government had bought half of our purchase, it would have alleviated farmers’ problems to a great extent. We have bought farmers’ produce in all BJP ruled States like Uttar Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. Why can’t Karnataka Government do itIJ” he said.
Shah attacked ruling congress Government led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and said the Congress Government and corruption have become synonymous in the State. Amit Shah said that the Siddaramaiah Government has failed on all fronts.
“The manner in which all cases against PFI (Popular Front of India) and SDPI (Social Democratic Party of India) have been withdrawn, shows the unidirectional action by Siddaramaiah Government,” he slammed the ruling congress Government.
Amit Shah is in Karnataka for his three day campaign at northern Hyderabad - Karnataka region to counter congress president Rahul Gandhi’s campaign in the State. Both the leaders are campaigning vigorously in the State as Karnataka is crucial for both the parties.