Karwar: Industry Minister R V Deshapande has outrightly rejected to hold talks with Goa Congress party leaders on Mahadayi issue. However, KPCC president G Parameshwar had recently stated that he would consider speaking to his counter part in Goa.

Deshpande told reporters: “Why should we approach Goa leaders? It is the responsibility of chief ministers of three states (Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra) to meet and solve the issue. BJP ruling state CMs are not ready for it.”

He said: “Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar was suppose to write letter to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, but he wrote to BJP state chief B S Yeddyurappa. But now Parikkar says they will settle the issue in tribunal. It shows Goa BJP is not interested in this issue. There is national policy that first priority should be given for drinking purpose, but neighbouring state is not ready to release water.” Lashing at Goa Water Resources Minister Vindo Palyekar over his anti-Kannadiga rants, Deshpande said, being a minister he should not utter such words. People of both states are living with harmony and such statements create unnecessary problems, he added.

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