Bengaluru, Oct 4 (IANS): Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar on Monday set a one-month deadline for the ruling BJP government in the state to lay the foundation stone for the implementation of the Mekedatu project, failing which the Congress will organise a massive protest.

"Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has been the Irrigation Minister before, so he knows the legalities. He has just stated that Tamil Nadu has no right to obstruct the Mekedatu project. We have also been making the same statement. Since the time you (Bommai) have become the Chief Minister, no action has been taken for the implementation of the project. Why are you not starting the work on the Mekedatu project? Why you are not able to commence the Upper Krishna and Mahadayi projects in the interest of the state," Shivakumar asked.

"We don't require anything from Tamil Nadu to begin the project work at Mekedatu. We don't need their water, money or land. The project is being implemented on our soil. There is a double engine government with the BJP both at the Centre and the state. Why is it not possible to begin the project within the legal framework," he asked.

The Congress leader further said that the party is setting a one-month deadline for the state government, as by-elections are scheduled to be held on October 30.

"The state government should begin the work on the Mekedatu project to provide drinking water for Bengaluru city. They must prepare to organise a groundbreaking ceremony to commence the work by that time," Shivakumar said.