Cauvery board: Karnataka upset

Mysore: The long standing Cauvery dispute between Karnataka and TN is once again threatening to create unrest in the state with farmers of the Cauvery basin objecting to the Union government’s alleged move to constitute a Cauvery Water Management Board.

BJP MPs B.S. Yeddyurappa and Shobha Karandlaje have tried to set their fears at rest by denying reports that the Union water resources ministry has circulated a draft Cabinet note on the setting up of the Cauvery Management Board and  dismissing all talk of Prime Minister Narendra Modi being more in favour of Tamil Nadu in the dispute for political gain.

But the farmers are not  convinced. Former MP G. Madegowda, who heads the Cauvery River Protection Committee here,  warned the farmers would launch a massive agitation if  the Centre took any step against  Karnataka’s interests.

“I am told CM Siddaramaiah has convened an all-party meeting in New Delhi on June 9 and sought an appointment with Mr Modi the next day to discuss the issue. Our committee will meet after June 10 depending on the outcome of his meeting with Mr Modi,”  said Mr Madegowda.

KRRS leader K.S. Puttanaiah said any move to set up the management board  when the dispute was before the SC was unacceptable. “Farmers of both states should be given a fair deal,” he insisted. Housing minister Ambareesh told reporters in Mandya that the state government was taking all necessary steps to protect the interests of farmers.