Statements of MP’s CM, Minister are politically motivated and expose Congress’ frustration: CM

Ahmedabad: Gujarat Chief Minister Mr. Vijaybhai Rupani today termed the statements of Madhya Pradesh’s Chief Minister Mr. Kamal Nath and Narmada Development Minister Mr. Budhel indicating not to provide Narmada waters to Gujarat as very unfortunate, lacking proper information, and politically motivated. 

Reacting to the statements of Mr. Kamal Nath, Mr. Rupani said that such statements are indicating that the Congress party has not yet been able to digest its defeat in recently concluded general elections and trying to evaluate every matter with political point of view.

Recalling the past, Mr. Rupani said that the Congress Governments had made many injustices to Gujarat over the Narmada issues, did not allow installation of gates on the dam for as many as seven years, did not allow raising of dam’s height, and did not allow the completion of dam’s works. 

The chief minister clarified that the distribution of Narmada waters among the four partner states is being done according to the judgment given in 1979 by The Narmada Control Authority (NCA) Tribunal; and no state has any rights to make changes in it.

In addition to this, the Supreme Court in its judgment to NCA has clearly stated that no modification can be made in water distribution till 2024.  He also denied the allegation that Madhya Pradesh is suffering due to non-generation of electricity with Narmada waters by Gujarat. In fact, Gujarat is generating 250 mw electricity; of which, 57 % share is going to Madhya Pradesh, and Mr. Rupani clarified.

Reacting to the statement made by Mr. Nath about rehabilitations of the affected people, Mr. Rupani said that as per the Supreme Court’s order Gujarat has completed rehabilitation works in total from 2017 to till now. 

 

Mr. Rupani said that it is unfortunate that Madhya Pradesh is playing politics over Narmada water issue at a time when Gujarat is urgently in need of Narmada waters due to delay monsoon.