Mahadayi dispute: Moily seeks to find fault with Karnataka govt

Union law minister M Veerappa Moily today sought to find fault with Karnataka government for opposing the Centre's decision to set up a tribunal on Mahadayi river water dispute between the state and Goa.

Talking to reporters here, Moily wondered how its constitution would amount to "injustice" to Karnataka when the state can plead its case effectively when it has "justified case".

"We (Karnataka, from where Moily hails) have to effectively argue our case before the tribunal," Moily said.

Karnataka yesterday slammed the move as "politically motivated" and "unilateral". State's water resources minister Basavaraj Bommai termed it "politically opportunistic intended to please Goa and hurt the legitimate interest of Karnataka".

By stating that injustice has been committed, Karnataka government was weakening its case, Moily said, adding, the state had not opposed constitution of the tribunal before it was set up.

Meanwhile, chief minister BS Yeddyurappa today reiterated the State's stand already articulated by Bommai.

"It's a hasty and politically motivated decision taken by the Centre under the pressure of Goa," Yeddyurappa said.

His government would strongly take up the matter with the Centre not to act till the supreme court gives its verdict on the Mahadayi (called Mandovi river in Goa) dispute, he said.