Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (MS)
Bengaluru, Aug 13: BJP national chief secretary C T Ravi made a U-turn in the matter of Mekedatu project. His statement has irked the Kannadigas.
Political parties of Tamil Nadu are vehemently opposing the Mekedatu project. Political leaders of Karnataka, cutting across party lines, have decided to support the state government. However, C T Ravi’s statement had disappointed many BJP leaders.
On Thursday, August 12, giving statement on Mekedatu, C T Ravi said, “It is not right to politicize inter-state issue like Mekedatu. There are no restrictions for both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to use their share of water. With respect to the Mekedatu project I am in favour of India. Courts have given several verdicts in this connection. I am for justice. If both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu share water of Cauvery within the limits of the court verdict there are no issues. However, opposition will be there if the verdict is crossed. I have said the same in Tamil Nadu also. Here also I reiterate the same.”
This statement of Ravi has irked the leaders of opposition of the state as well as Kannadigas in general.
Former chief minister (CM) H D Kumaraswamy said, “Are we with Pakistan or China? We are also Indians. But first we are Kannadigas. If injustice is meted out to us, voice should be raised against it. Let Ravi remember this.”
Leader of opposition and former CM Siddaramaiah said, “Mekedatu project is our right. Tamil Nadu does not have any say in this matter. C T Ravi is not with Kannadigas in this matter. Let him take up this matter with the center and grant permission. There are 25 BJP MPs of state in parliament. Not a single BJP MP has spoken about the Mekedatu project and compensation that the state needs to get from the union government. They have not asked for Rs 5,490 crore with Sitaraman. BJP should be ashamed of this. Even though Bommai is in GST board not a single day he has asked this question. The union government has not given us proper compensation since 2019. Will the BJP protect the interests of Karnataka?”