From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Sep 25: Asserting that the Congress government will do its best to protect the interests of Karnataka on the question of Cauvery river water by putting forth a strong argument before the Supreme Court on Tuesday explaining why the State will not be able to release water to Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has accused the opposition BJP and JD(S) of playing politics by rousing passions.

Speaking to media persons in Bengaluru on Monday, he said the state government will not come in the way of staging protests as it was part of the democratic process while making it clear that it will not allow to create a law and order situation.

Siddaramaiah said the Bengaluru bandh on Tuesday and the Karnataka bandh on September 29 will not help in solving the Cauvery river water sharing dispute and will only cause unnecessary hardships and difficulties to the people.

"We have to abide by the Supreme Court order on the release of Cauvery water as directed by the Cauvery Water Managing Authority. Both the BJP and the JD(S) which have ruled the State are aware of the situation and are deliberately playing politics,’’ he said.

The chief minister promised that the state government will put forth a strong
argument when the matter comes up before the Supreme Court on September 26.

Stress on Development of Tourism

Later, speaking at the inauguration of "Our Monument: Our Heritage, Our
Identity, Our Pride" campaign interaction and digital platform organised by Tourism and Archaeology Museums and Heritage Department, he said if tourism grows, cultural pride will increase and the economy will get a boost.

"No one should forget Dr Ambedkar's words that people who do not know
history cannot shape the future,’’ he said and made it clear that protection of
monuments is essential to make the present generation understand our history and to convey the importance of our heritage to future generations.

"If the public joins hands with the government to protect the monuments, our
history and heritage can be passed on to the next generation. There are substantial opportunities to develop tourism in the state. The concern behind the "Shakti" project is that even the poor should be allowed to go to spiritual and eco-tourism centers and temples. Over 60 lakh women have benefited from this and the income of temples has increased. The economy is gaining momentum and business and transactions are creating more jobs. All these
concerns have worked behind Shakti scheme," he said.

He explained that it was not initiated just because of the election. Siddaramaiah congratulated the industrialists and organisations who have come forward with self-motivation to adopt and preserve the monuments.

Prashant Prakash, chairman of Startup Vision Group and Kalki Foundation attended the event as special invitees.Tourism Minister Dr H K Patil presided over the programme. Additional chief secretary of the tourism department Kapil Mohan, director of the department V Ram Prasath Manohar, commissioner of the department A Devaraju and many others were present.