Karnataka political parties come together to fight Mahadayi water dispute

Bengaluru: Facing unprecedented turmoil after the interim verdict of the Mahadayi tribunal went against Karnataka, the state’s political parties have decided to close ranks and go ahead with the legal battle against neighbouring Goa and Maharashtra to get water released from Mahadayi river.

After the tribunal dismissed the Interlocutory Application(IA)  filed by the state, seeking to utilise 7.56 tmcft water for drinking purposes, the government is left with the options of either going for a clarification to the tribunal again or filing a special leave petition(SLP)) before the Supreme Court.

Speaking to reporters after an all-party meeting, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that under Sec 5 (3) of the Inter-State Water Dispute Act, the government can seek a clarification on the dismissed IA or file an SLP before the apex court requesting it to alter the tribunal’s order.

Leaders who attended the meeting, reiterated their confidence in the state’s legal team headed by Mr Fali Nariman, who will be coming to Bengaluru on August 16 to hold a meeting with the government and decide whether to approach the tribunal again or the top court. One reason to rally behind Mr Nariman is that the state had gone against his advice against filing an IA seeking an interim order.

The IA was dismissed by the tribunal. Mr Siddaramaiah refused to answer questions on whether there was a discussion on seeking the Prime Minister's intervention in the dispute. Sources said a few leaders did raise this while others felt talking to the Opposition parties in Goa and Maharashtra would be a better idea.

Mr Siddaramaiah assured party leaders that a decision on withdrawing cases filed against the farmers, who indulged in violence after the Mahadayi Tribunal verdict, would be made by the Cabinet on August 10 after reviewing a report prepared by top police officers.