Karnataka: No need for Cauvery panel, says HD Deve Gowda

Bengaluru: Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda has opposed the direction of Cauvery Supervisory Committee, asking Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to constitute an expert committee to decide the quantum of water to be released to both states.

“Under what circumstances, the supervisory committee directed Karnataka to constitute an expert committee when both states are already following a distress formula for many years? There is no need to for such a committee under these circumstances,” Mr Gowda said on Friday.

“I fought for the cause of Cauvery when I was the chief minister and also in my capacity as the Prime Minister. Recently, I sat on a hunger strike in front of Vidhana Soudha. I request the chief minister to be cautious while dealing with the Cauvery issue,” he suggested.

“Both states should assess the pros and cons of such a committee. I have written to the Prime Minister, registering my opposition to the committee. It is wrong on the part of the Supervisory Committee to seek the constitution of a committee before a Supreme Court verdict on Cauvery disputes, which are pending before the a three-judge bench, headed by Justice Dipak Mishra,” he said.