Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, R. Ashoka, has issued a warning that the BJP will besiege the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) reservoir if the Karnataka government does not release water for crops in the Cauvery basin within three days. Ashoka, after inspecting drought-affected sugarcane fields in Mandya district, criticized the government for neglecting farmers’ needs amidst cabinet expansion discussions. He emphasized the urgency of addressing the Cauvery water-sharing problem and declaring a drought in affected areas.
Ashoka stressed the necessity for a unified approach by Karnataka to safeguard farmers’ interests, especially in light of Tamil Nadu’s assertive stance on water rights. He called for immediate discussions on the drought situation and the Cauvery issue, highlighting the importance of releasing water from KRS to protect standing crops. The BJP leader also demanded compensation for farmers facing crop losses and urged the government to provide relief measures like subsidies for fodder and drinking water.
Ashoka further criticized the state leadership, accusing them of prioritizing political positions over farmers’ welfare. He advocated for inclusive discussions involving all political parties’ MLAs to address the Cauvery issue effectively. If water is not released within the stipulated time frame, Ashoka warned of the BJP’s plan to besiege the reservoir to ensure water availability for farmers.
