The Congress on Monday expressed deep sympathy for the flood affected people of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and parts of Maharashtra but downplayed the issue of interlinking of rivers as a permanent solution to floods.
The party also steered clear of allegations that BJP-ruled Karnataka released excess water leading to floods in Andhra Pradesh, saying this was not the time to indulge in allegations and counter allegations.
“Congress expresses deep sympathy and empathy for those affected by and suffering from the floods...Every effort is underway at the state and central level to provide a healing touch. Our heart goes out to those who suffered bereavement and have been rendered homeless,” party spokesman Abhishek Singhvi told reporters here.
He, however, downplayed the issue of interlinking of rivers as a solution to the flood problem which was mooted during the NDA regime saying, “I don’t think anybody is accepting or rejecting it”.
Mr. Singhvi said, “It (interlinking) is a larger issue. It is not a magic wand. There is an awesome scale of interlinking. It is a super long term solution, not a medium term or a short term solution. Let the experts decide...”
He said interlinking of rivers was a project with many facets and it was a proposal on which the jury is out.
