The Mahadayi river water dispute has once again intensified into a heated legal and political conflict between Karnataka and Goa, with both states fiercely defending their claims over the river’s waters.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday underscored the river’s significance, saying, “For everyone, Mahadayi is a political issue, but for Goa, Mahadayi is our lifeline.” He emphasised that the Goa government is actively presenting its case before the Supreme Court, the central government, and the Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal, arguing that the river’s flow into Goa must remain uninterrupted, as it sustains both the people and the Mahadayi Wildlife Sanctuary, reported ANI. 

On the contrary, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah accused Goa’s leadership and the central government of obstructing the project. In a post on X, Siddaramaiah wrote, "The Goa CM's remark on the Mahadayi project is an insult to the people of Karnataka. Why hasn't the Union Govt officially communicated any concerns? Is this how federalism works under BJP? Backdoor sabotage, silence, and betrayal? What crime have Kannadigas committed? Are we being punished for not surrendering to the BJP? Mahadayi is not for luxury or waste; it is for the drinking water needs of North Karnataka," reported ANI.