Goa Cong should make its stand clear on Mahadayi dispute: Sena

The Shiv Sena in Goa has asked the Congress to spell out its stand on the Mahadayi water dispute since the party, in alliance with the Janata Dal (Secular), was slated to form a government in neighbouring Karnataka.

Goa and Karnataka are at loggerheads over the sharing of the river's water and a case is currently being heard by the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal.

The river, which originates in Karnataka, flows down to Goa, where it is popularly known as Mandovi.

"Goa cannot be oblivious to the politics in Karnataka. The question now remains is whether we can really heave a sigh of relief over the Mahadayi issue? The BJP had promised water diversion (to Karnataka) if they were voted to power in Karnataka," said Senas Goa spokesman Rakhi Prabhudesai Naik.

"The Shiv Sena demands that the Congress party in Goa make a categorical statement on the issue of Mahadayi now that they have their government in Karnataka. We will not tolerate any compromise on this issue by the Congress just to please their voters," she said.

She said that the Congress in Goa should clearly state that they would not compromise on the issue.