In a strong political attack, Rajasthan Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra has cast serious doubt on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) ability to deliver on its promises regarding a major inter-state water project. Dotasra expressed his skepticism on Thursday, questioning the progress of the crucial Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal-Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (PKC-ERCP), also referred to as the Ramjal Setu Link Project.
National Project Status and Yamuna Water: Unfulfilled Promises?
Dotasra made two significant claims that directly challenge the state and central government's narrative. Firstly, he asserted that the PKC-ERCP project will not be granted national project status under the current BJP regime. Secondly, he stated that Yamuna river water will not reach the arid Shekhawati region during the party's tenure. These claims come despite high-profile developments surrounding the project.
The project's importance cannot be overstated, as it is designed to provide drinking water and irrigation facilities to 26 districts across Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, with 13 of these districts located in Rajasthan. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the two state governments and the Union Jal Shakti Ministry in January 2024. Furthermore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the project in December of the previous year.
Allegations of "Lie and Betrayal" Against BJP
The Congress leader did not mince words, accusing the BJP of a "lie and betrayal" towards the people of Rajasthan. He highlighted the stalled progress on the transfer of Yamuna water to Shekhawati, noting that an MoU was signed between Haryana and Rajasthan for a Detailed Project Report (DPR) two years ago, yet the report remains incomplete to this day.
Dotasra's critique extends beyond infrastructure. He also urged the Chief Minister to address internal party dynamics, pointing out that when state ministers visit districts, they are often ignored by local BJP workers. This, he argued, creates a public perception that grievances are not being heard and that the ministers have become inaccessible to the common people.
Political Implications and Public Trust
The sharp criticism from the opposition Congress party frames the water project as a central issue of political trust and governance. By questioning the fulfillment of promises made around the PKC-ERCP and the Yamuna water transfer, Dotasra is attempting to portray the BJP government as failing on a critical development front that impacts millions of voters. The outcome of this project is now poised to become a significant point of contention in Rajasthan's political discourse, with potential repercussions for public confidence in the state administration.
