Karnataka Opposition Accuses Congress of Betraying State by Releasing Cauvery Water
In a controversial move, the Karnataka government has decided to release Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu, sparking accusations of betrayal from the opposition BJP and JD(S). Both parties claim that the Congress-ruled government is prioritizing politics over the interests of the state and its farmers. The release of water is alleged to be an attempt by the Congress to appease its ally, the DMK, ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.
Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai of the BJP expressed concerns that politics is taking precedence over the state’s welfare. He accused the government of mixing politics with the Cauvery river water issue, claiming that the release of water is an attempt to please the DMK and maintain a favorable alliance for the upcoming elections.
JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy echoed these sentiments, urging the government to immediately halt the release of water to Tamil Nadu. He accused the Siddaramaiah administration of disregarding the concerns of the people and the opposition, ultimately betraying the interests of Kannadigas and farmers.
The decision to release water came after Tamil Nadu approached the Supreme Court, requesting a daily release of 24,000 cusec of Cauvery water for standing crops. Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister and water resources Minister, D K Shivakumar, announced that the state would release 10 tmcft of water to Tamil Nadu. However, it was acknowledged that the state is facing a water deficit for both drinking water and agricultural needs due to a deficient monsoon.
Opposition leader Basavaraj Bommai pointed out that there is an existing tribunal order regarding the quantity of water to be released for various crops. He argued that Tamil Nadu has grown crops on a larger scale than what was allocated, and the state government should have protested against this overuse of water. Additionally, Bommai criticized the delay in releasing water to Karnataka’s farmers and accused the government of prioritizing the interests of Tamil Nadu over its own state.
The opposition leaders stressed the need for the government to protect the rights of Karnataka’s farmers and hold an all-party meeting to discuss the Cauvery issue. They criticized the Congress for what they perceive as deception and a breach of trust, emphasizing the injustice being done to the people and farmers of the Cauvery basin.
The release of Cauvery river water has sparked a heated debate between the ruling Congress and the opposition parties in Karnataka. With both sides offering differing perspectives on the matter, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and if any resolution can be reached that satisfies all stakeholders involved.
