Quit, says RDPR minister HK Patil to top BJP leaders

Bengaluru: Goa chief minister, Manohar Parrikar's categorical statement that Goa was not in favour of any out-of-court settlement on the Mahadayi issue came under serious attack from politicians from the Gadag district where the Mahadayi agitation is on. Leading from the front, RDPR minister, H.K. Patil on Thursday demanded that BJP leaders like Jagadish Shettar, Prahlad Joshi and B.S. Yeddyurappa whom Mr Patil alleged, had mislead the public over the Mahadayi issue, should resign from the postitions they were holding. 

On Wednesday, Mr Patil said Mr Parrikar's statement exposed the BJP's bundle of lies. "Since BJP misleads the farmers of north Karnataka, they have no moral right to seek votes in that region," Mr Patil said.

He said the BJP was known for such mischief and such acts would not benefit the state. "In the Mahadayi river, 220 tmc water is available and the state has every right to utilise 45 tmc of water. The Goa government's decision not to share water is against the principles of the federal system," he added.

JD (S) MLA, Kona Reddy too echoed similar views in a press conference held separately. A few weeks ago, Yeddyurappa had claimed that Goa CM Parrikar had expressed his willingness to release water from the Mahadayi for  parched north Karnataka but the Goa BJP later dismissed such claims.