The Congress’s padyatra – Namma Neeru Namma Hakku – demanding early implementation of the Mekedatu drinking water project concluded at a massive rally here on Thursday, setting the tone for the party for next year’s assembly elections.
Forming a united front, all senior leaders made their presence felt in front of thousands of party workers and leaders, the party declared that Mekedatu would be the first project to be implemented when the party came to power.
AICC general secretary in-charge of Karnataka Randeep Singh Surjewala said, “When the party comes to power, Mekedatu will be implemented to ensure water for the people.” “BJP has let Karnataka down. The double engine government has cheated the state double. This is not a political fight, but a commitment. Why hasn’t the BJP approved this project yet?”
Party veteran and Congress leader in Rajya Sabha M. Mallikarjun Kharge said people will “teach a lesson” to BJP leaders in the elections for their “failure” to protect the state’s interests.
Stating that justice cannot be expected from the BJP government, former chief minister Siddaramaiah said the BJP was spreading lies on the Mekedatu project. “About 30% of Bengaluru’s population is yet to get Cauvery water and Tamil Nadu has no reason to oppose the project,” he said.
‘For the heinous good’
Responding to criticism of the padyatra by the BJP and JD(S), the former chief minister said, “It is a rally for the public good. We are capable of holding a political rally. We will also hold a political rally and there is nothing to hide in it. He said that people participated in the Mekedatu Padyatra in large numbers and understood its importance and supported the struggle.
KPCC president DK Shivakumar, who led the rally, said the padyatra was to establish Karnataka’s right to water, and would help ensure water supply to Bengaluru for the next 30 years.
region-specific issues
“The padyatra has been criticized by others and the government has tried to suppress it by registering more than 10 cases. We are ready to go to jail. Congress has built 26 reservoirs in the state. This rally is not the end; We will take up region-specific issues in all areas of the state in the coming days,” he said.
While the padyatra, about 170 km from Sangma to Kanakapura in Ramanagaram district, was started on January 9, it had to be temporarily suspended on January 13 due to the COVID-19 surge. It started again on Sunday.
The Rs 9,000-crore Mekedatu Drinking Water Project in Cauvery will employ 67 tmcft of water and generate 400 MW of electricity, and is planned to ensure drinking water supply to Bengaluru and surrounding districts. While the project is yet to get environmental clearance from the Centre, Tamil Nadu has approached the Supreme Court.
rural and urban emphasis
While the initial part of the Mekedatu padayatra sought to strike an emotional chord with the rural masses in Cauvery basin districts, where the Cauvery is the lifeline, the latter part was to reach out to the urban population in Bengaluru where drinking water is an issue. ,
Politically, the padyatra is expected to boost the Congress’s fortunes in the Old Mysore region, where it is in direct competition with the Janata Dal (Secular). The walk included religious leaders from Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities, two politically strong communities as well as religious leaders from other communities.