Team Goemkarponn
SANCOALE: Former Sancoale sarpanch Ramakant Borker on Tuesday morning questioned Kannada Sahitya Parishad president Siddhanna Meti’s silence on the Mhadei river issue. Calling it a political gimmick, Borker even termed the Karanataka Rajotsav as an ‘election utsav’ at Sancoale.
Borker said that while anyone is free to hold such programmes or contest elections, leaders representing the Kannada community in Goa must also take a stand on issues affecting the state’s interests. “Meti has been vocal about the growing influence of Kannadigas in Goa’s constituencies. If he believes there is a strong Kannadiga presence here, then he must use that strength to demand justice for Goa on the Mhadei issue,” Borker stated.
He challenged Meti to lead a morcha comprising all Kannadigas in Goa to the state boundary and demand that the Karnataka Government release the Mhadei water. “The Mhadei river is not just Goa’s lifeline — it also supports many Kannadigas who live and work here. If Meti truly represents their interests, he should raise his voice before his own state government in Karnataka, instead of holding celebrations in Goa,” Borker remarked.
Borker further said that the Kannada Sahitya Parishad should focus on fostering harmony and contributing to Goa’s development, rather than stirring linguistic divisions. “Goa has always welcomed people from different states. But those who come here must stand with Goans when it comes to protecting Goa’s identity, culture and natural resources,” he added.
