Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Mar 15: Former MLA from Suratkal and Congress leader, Vijayakumar Shetty, had recently requested Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari, Dr D Veerendra Heggade, to lead an agitation against the efforts being made to divert Netravati River water to feed water-starved districts in the plains. Mangalore MLA, U T Khader, also had said that he opposes the project as it can sound death knell for the progress of Dakshina Kannada district.

The Congress leaders had got a chance to fight against the BJP government and score a point by getting sympathy of the people, by speaking on behalf of those who will get affected by the river diversion. These leaders have been criticizing state Chief Minister, B S Yeddyurappa, for setting aside Rs 200 crore for river diversion. However, the statement of Moily that he strongly stands by the project has come as a dampener for their spirits.

The district Congress, which has always been faction-ridden, seems to head for another problem. In spite of this, they seem to be planning to go ahead with their firm opposition to the river diversion. Both Vijayakumar Shetty and U T Khader have said that they will make best efforts to serve the interests of Dakshina Kannada district, and to convince Moily about the ill affects of river diversion. Khader, who has noted that Moily, who represents Chikballapur constituency, has been supporting demand for water of that region, says that there is a need for the people of his own and all other parties, to sink political differences and fight unitedly against Netravati River Diversion.