'Solve inter-state water disputes through dialogue, determination' says PM Narendra Modi in Jaipur

JAIPUR: Flanked by the chief ministers of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday emphasised how long-standing inter-state water disputes can be settled through dialogue and determination.
Speaking at the event 'Ek Varsh-Parinaam Utkarsh' to mark the first year of the Bhajan Lal Sharma-led govt at Dadiya village on the outskirts of Jaipur, Modi highlighted the significance of cooperation between states.

Modi, who laid the foundation stone for the PKC-Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project, expected to address the water challenges faced by the state's agricultural sector, remarked, "The resolution of the decades-old water dispute between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan serves as a model for all states struggling with similar issues."
"The ERCP project was stalled by the Congress for years. The moment BJP formed govts in Rajasthan and MP in Dec 2023, the project was signed. Our govt not only sanctioned the project but also extended it," he said at the launch event. On two occasions during his speech, the PM had to pause and request the audience to calm down due to 'Modi, Modi' chants.
PM praises Sharma’s first year in office for being ‘memorable and impactful’
Pointing to the screen behind with images of CM Bhajan Lal Sharma, MP CM Mohan Yadav, and jal shakti minister CR Patil, Modi said the picture would “raise a question to leaders everywhere” who failed to tackle water disputes and “let the water flow into the ocean”.

“This project will interlink rivers like Chambal, Parvati, Kalisindh, Kuno, Banas, Banganaga, Ruparel, Gambhiri, and Mej. Once completed, Rajasthan will have sufficient water for development, accelerating the progress of both Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh,” he said.
During the event, the PM inaugurated projects worth Rs 11,041 crore and laid the foundation stone for projects valued at Rs 35,234 crore. Additionally, he initiated the tendering process for various developmental works worth Rs 58,546 crore.
In his speech, Modi accused Congress of fostering enmity between states on water issues and ignoring former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s vision of interlinking rivers.
“Congress govts failed to channelise water from rivers to drought-prone areas. Water from our rivers even flows across the border, but the Congress never allowed our farmers to benefit. Rajasthan suffered immensely because of their politics, especially our farmers and women,” he said.
The PM also al leged that Congress never sought to address water crises and instead perpetuated problems for political gain.
Modi criticised the previ ous state govt for neglecting the youth, stating, “The former govt did great injustice to the youth. Paper leaks and recruitment scams became the identity of Rajasthan. Under the current govt, investigations began, and several arrests were made.”
Highlighting the state's progress, he added, “Thousands of recruitments were announced in the past year, and exams and appointments are being conducted with complete transparency under the Bhajan Lal Sharma govt.” On the issue of fuel prices, Modi noted, “Earlier, the people of Rajasthan had to pay more for petrol and diesel compared to other states. With our govt in place, people have started getting relief.”
Delivering a message of development, he said BJP and its workers were “committed to the country” above everything else. “I urge party workers to dedicate time to water conservation as a service to Mother Earth,” he said.
He acknowledged the contributions of former Rajasthan CMs Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and Vasundhara Raje and credited them with laying a strong foundation for the state's development. He praised CM Sharma’s first year in office for being “memorable and impactful”.
The event marked the conclusion of the week-long first anniversary celebrations of the state govt. The event was also attended by jal shakti minister CR Patil.
There was a massive turnout of people for the programme. People arrived in huge numbers, with vehicles lined up for several kilometers along the roads leading to the venue.