PM Modi's Mahadayi view triggers Maha' row

Hubballi: The speech by PM Narendra Modi on various local issues, including Mahadayi and Kappatta Hills, in Gadag, has caused resentment among farmers and Congress leaders here as they contend that his statements are far from the truth. Meanwhile, farmer leaders claimed that the BJP’s promise to implement Kalasa Banduri project is just an eyewash to woo voters as the Mahadayi tribunal will give its verdict in August this year. Congress leaders claimed that it is the BJP government which had attempted to encroach on the vast Kappatta Hills and tried to destroy the rich medicinal plants instead of protecting it, by permitting the South Korean steel plant Posco in 2011. Expressing cynicism over the commitment of the PM to resolve the Mahadayi dispute if BJP comes to power, the farmer leaders alleged that Modi is merely playing votebank politics without convening a meeting of all three states to find an amicable solution despite repeated pleas and violent agitations.