Don't release water to Tamil Nadu, says HD Kumaraswamy

BENGALURU: With the State cabinet deciding to honour water release order of Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and also of Supreme Court, Janata Dal Secular (JDS) MLA and former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Saturday told the State Government “In my opinion there is no need to release water to Tamil Nadu” and also observed that not releasing  water “would not amount contempt of Court.”

He brought to the notice of the State Government, an order of the Supreme Court dated September 20, 2016 which stated that “It does not amount to contempt if an order cannot be adhered to.”  

After inspection of water level at Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) reservoir in Mandya on Saturday along with JDS MLAs, Kumaraswamy suggested to the State Government to “apply your mind on the issue.”

He assured that his party would stand by the State Government if it decides not to release water to Tamil Nadu and his party is not interests in indulging in politics over the interests of farmers.

The JDS leader also wanted the State Government to hold a meeting of retired Chief Justices of India who hail from Karnataka and also retired High Court Justices to chalk out future course of action on River Cauvery water sharing dispute and stated that “It is of no use to hold meetings with political leaders.”

Referring to a reported provocative statement against Karnataka by a Minister of Tamil Nadu, Kumaraswamy asked Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to warn his Ministers from issuing “provocative” statements in future and do not test the patience of Karnataka.

He stated that Tamil Nadu has been increasing its area of cultivation to 4 lakh acres in Cauvery basin while it has been stipulated to conduct agricultural activities in about 1.8 lakh acres and alleged violation of Tribunal’s order by Tamil Nadu by increasing its area of cultivation.

Since, distress formula is not ready for sharing River Cauvery water, Kumaraswamy said, for the last four years Tamil Nadu utilized excess water released by Karnataka owing to copious rainfall.  

He asked the State Government that water should not be released by Karnataka to please former president of All India Congress Committee Sonia Gandhi and the present president of AICC Mallikarjuna Kharge since Congress party is into alliance with DMK ruling Tamil Nadu.