Goa Minister for Water Resources Vinod Palyeka has gotten himself into a huge controversy by terming Kannadigas as ‘law-breaking’ citizens.  Karnataka chief-minister Siddaramaiah was quick to retort by condemning Palyekar’s ‘abusive language’ against the people of Karnataka.

Mahadayi River issue between Karnataka and Goa is akin to the Cauvery river water sharing dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Originating in Belgaum, Mahadayi flows through Goa to meet the Arabian Sea.  It turns out that Goan Minister reportedly made the abusive comment while visiting a site in Karnataka where the State is constructing a canal apparently to divert the flow water into Karnataka.

Soon after inspecting the site, Vinod was livid and blamed Karnatka of indulging in ‘dirty politics’ and termed Kannadigas as ‘law-breaking’ citizens. A few minutes after his remark, Vinod apparently regretted the same and asked the media not to blow it out of proportion as it was uttered in a moment of anger. However, by the time, the news had become a ‘hot topic’ on Kannadiga television news hannels.

Palyekar said that he had discussed the issue with chief-minister Manohar Parikker and added that Goa would do everything at its disposal to stop construction of the canal. In the meantime, Kannadiga organizations have called for a State-side ‘Bandh’ (shutdown) on 25th January to express solidarity on the Mahadayi river issue.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is scheduled to visit Bangalore on 28th January to kick-start the BJP’s campaign ahead of the Assembly polls, might feel embarrassed by the remarks of Vinod as BJP is making a serious bid to overthrow the Siddaramaiah-led Congress Govt. in Karnataka.