Bengaluru, July 30 (IANS) Karnataka Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashoka, on Thursday accused the Congress government of failing once again to protect Karnataka’s interests in the Cauvery water dispute after the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) rejected the state’s appeal and retained its directive to release 3,500 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu for the next 15 days.
In a statement, Ashoka described the CWMA’s decision as a major setback for Karnataka, stating that water levels in reservoirs across the Cauvery basin are declining steadily. He said the situation has raised concerns over drinking water security in several parts of the state, including Bengaluru, while lakhs of farmers are facing distress due to inadequate rainfall.
“Despite these circumstances, the Congress government has completely failed to effectively present Karnataka’s case and safeguard the state’s interests,” he alleged.
Ashoka criticised Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, saying he should have pursued a stronger legal and administrative battle on behalf of the state rather than limiting himself to press conferences and political statements. “His soft approach and negligence have once again resulted in a setback for Karnataka,” Ashoka said.
The BJP leader urged the state government to immediately convene an all-party meeting to decide the future course of action on the Cauvery issue. He also called upon the government to examine the possibility of challenging the CWMA order before the Supreme Court.
Ashoka further demanded that no water be released to Tamil Nadu until Karnataka’s drinking water requirements and the interests of farmers are fully secured. In addition, he sought an immediate and comprehensive crop loss survey in view of the deficient rainfall and water scarcity, noting that crops in several regions have already withered. He urged the government to announce adequate compensation for distressed farmers at the earliest.
“Let it be remembered that the Congress government’s priority should be the interests of the people of Karnataka and not political calculations,” Ashoka said.
Reiterating the BJP’s stand on the Cauvery issue, Ashoka asserted that there was no question of giving up “even a drop of Karnataka’s rightful share of water.” He added that the BJP would extend its support to any agitation or movement undertaken by the government in the interest of farmers and to uphold the state’s self-respect.
–IANS
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