PONDA: The BJP-MGP is the ruling coalition in the state. MGP's Ramkrishna 'Sudin' Dhavalikar is the PWD minister. And three of Ponda taluka's four assembly segments are represented by the MGP. Yet, the taluka's Amadi area in Keri village is seeing the underlying friction between BJP and MGP grassroots workers play out over water distribution, or so allege local residents.

Claiming they receive water just once a week while those loyal to the local MGP MLA, Sudin's brother, Pandurang 'Deepak' Dhavalikar, get sufficient water regularly, a local BJP member said they have brought the issue to the notice of the chief minister, but things have not changed.

Locals explain that the village suffered water woes for several years on account of the ecological damage caused by a stone quarry. While the quarry was shut down, the damage to the water table remained. "Getting potable water has become critical over the last 8-9 months and is now haunting Keri's residents," claims former panch Amol Kerkar.

On January 5, during the gram sabha, residents had expressed their anger at the panchayat's alleged failure to solve the water distribution issue. They had even passed a resolution to stop the supply of water through PWD tankers to commercial establishments, suggesting that the establishments make their own arrangements. "These establishments continue to get water through PWD tankers sent for us," claim residents.

Following an agitation authorities installed three 10,000 litre-PVC tanks in Amadi ward while villagers in other parts started keeping big barrels along the roadside. The PWD tankers would fill the tanks and the barrels. But of late, the tankers have allegedly started reducing the quantity being poured into the tanks. "The water in the tanks is supposed to reach us through a pipeline, but we get only air and we have to pay for this air as the meter continues to run," claims Parinda Gaonkar. Leena Gaude adds that several villagers stopped receiving water after their connections were disconnected on March 8 by the water division. Gokuldas Amadkar alleged that since they are supporters of the BJP and the local MLA is from the MGP, the water division discriminates.

Terming the allegations "politically motivated", Deepak Dhavalikar told TOI, "If any person finds any government official discriminating, they can contact me directly."