Digital Goa, Dec 31- Asserting that Mhadei river issue is a matter of life and death, Union Minister of State Shripad Naik today said that he is ready to resign as Union Minister if Center fails to pay heed to the rightful demands of Goa. “People’s interest is prime, ministership is insignificant,” he asserted. No one should play with the interest of citizenry, he warned. However, resignation is like running away from the problem, he added. Naik was speaking to media persons over Central Water Commission’s approval to Karnataka’s Detailed Project Report(DPR) of Kalsa Bhandura project over river Mhadei.
▪️ *Naik proposes all-party delegation to Delhi and discussion in Assembly on Mhadei issue*
Naik said that he has asked Chief Minister Sawant to take an all-party delegation to Delhi to discuss the issue with the central government. He also informed that Cabinet meeting has been scheduled over the issue on Monday by CM Pramod Sawant. Naik also called for the need to discuss and deliberate over the issue in the ensuing session of the State Legislative Assembly commencing from Jan 16.
▪️ *Will move Supreme Court yet again if no solution in sight*
The Union Minister lamented that Goa was not taken into confidence and center’s decision to give approval to the DPR when the matter was subjudice was injustice on Goa. State govt will take all possible measures to make the center withdraw the approvals, he added. To begin with govt will meet PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. An all-party delegation will also meet the central govt over the matter. If no solution comes up despite the efforts, the state will resort to moving the Supreme Court yet again, he asserted. Naik claimed that Goa govt has not faltered in its efforts in following up the issue and taking requisite measures.
