Citing the severe flooding in the South, the BJP asked the government to not reject the idea of inter-linking rivers, which was considered by the NDA government a permanent solution to recurring floods and droughts.

Venkaiah Naidu, senior BJP leader, who returned from a tour of the flood-hit areas of Andhra Pradesh and Karna-taka, said Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh must review his stand.

Last week, Ramesh had reiterated his reservation about such a project, saying “interlinking of rivers will be a human, ecological and economic disaster.”

Responding to his statement, Naidu said, “We will be enlightened if he throws some more light on it. Interlinking of rivers is the solution. I think no state will oppose it.”

He demanded that the Prime Minister call a meeting of chief ministers to discuss the issue. Though interlinking would lead to displacement, “projects cannot be stopped because of problem of rehabilitation,” he said.

Naidu also wanted the PM to visit flood-affected areas and sanction Rs 5,000 crore for relief work.