Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Feb 27: The Karnataka BJP has strongly criticized the Congress-led state government for releasing 1.24 TMC of water to Telangana, alleging that the move was against the interests of Karnataka's farmers and citizens.

Senior BJP leader R Ashoka questioned the rationale behind the decision, stating, "Is your political self-interest more important than protecting the interests of the state's farmers and common people? On whose authority did you permit Karnataka’s water to be released to Telangana?" He urged Kannadigas to hold the government accountable for what he described as a betrayal of the state's interests.

Responding to allegations that water was released from the Narayanapura dam in an overnight operation, deputy chief minister and water resources minister D K Shivakumar defended the decision, stating that it was a gesture of cooperation between riparian states. "There is nothing to hide here. Riparian states have been helping each other in times of distress. They have helped us on many occasions, and we help them, too. One TMC of water has been released as the irrigation minister personally appealed for it," he said.

Shivakumar further emphasized that Telangana had previously provided water to Karnataka from the Krishna River and that such mutual assistance was essential between neighbouring states. "There is nothing wrong, and as neighbouring states, we need to reciprocate," he added.

The issue has sparked a political debate, with the BJP accusing the Congress government of neglecting Karnataka’s water needs, while the ruling party maintains that cooperation with neighbouring states is necessary for managing water resources effectively.