Modi's intervention: Big relief for BJP

BENGALURU: Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi’s application to the Supreme Court that it ought not to have directed the Union government to constitute the CWMB came as major relief for leaders of the state unit of BJP, and helped train their guns on the state government for not handling the issue of release of water to TN well, on Monday.

During special legislature session convened on Monday to discuss the Cauver water row, Opposition BJP legislators made the most of Mr Rohatgi’s application and hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union government for intervening in the case, and opposing constitution of CWMB).

All along these leaders were butt of criticism because they not only boycotted a couple meetings of leaders of all parties but also failed to ensure New Delhi’s intervention in the case. They were on the defensive as even farmers’ leaders criticized them for not lack on response on the part of the Union government. To add to their woes, JD (S) patriarch and former PM Deve Gowda launched a hunger strike on October 1 to pressurize the Centre to intervene and help the state in view of acute shortage of water in four reservoirs in the Cauvery basin.  When Mr Modi telephoned Mr Deve Gowda on Sunday, and Mr Rohatgi submitted an application in the apex court on Monday, these BJP leaders decided turn aggressive against the state government and slam it for not handling the issue well.

In the Council, Opposition leader K S Eshwarappa said the Centre has taken the right decision at the right time.  Meanwhile, JD(S) members too took some credit, saying Mr Deve Gowda’s decision to draw Mr Modi’s attention by launching a hunger strike helped attract the PM ’s attention to the row.  On their part, Congress legislators thanked Mr Narendra Modi for his intervention and for opposing the CWMB.