Ruling BJP and Opposition Congress party locked horns on Wednesday over the Narmada Dam project issue following leader of Opposition in Gujarat Assembly Paresh Dhanani’s statement that anti-Narmada dam activist Medha Patkar gave voice to under privileged people and because of her efforts the dam’s height could increase.
The statement was Dhanani’s attempt to defend newly appointed Gujarat Congress in-charge Rajiv Satav who around a year ago tweeted in favour of Medha Patkar and her anti-Narmada Dam movement. Although, the tweet was removed by Satav, but Dhanani’s stand on Narmda Dam only added fuel to ongoing controversy.
Reacting on Dhanani’s statement Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said that it was very sad to know about anti-Gujarat stance of Congress “Everyone in Gujarat know about Patkar’s anti-Gujarat movement which delayed the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Dam. Extending support to anti-Gujarat elements the Opposition Party too exposed. This only shows that Congress never wanted Narmada Project to be completed,” said Rupani.
Satav is known as All India Congress Committee (AICC) President Rahul Gandhi’s close aide. The 43-year-old Member of Parliament from Hingoli constituency in Maharashtra appointed has been as Gujarat Congress in-charge last month replacing former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot.