Beltangady: 364 JD(S)-Sponsored Buses Arrive at Dharmasthala from Kolar
Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady (NM)
Beltangady, Jan 13: In the wake of water shortage in the Malur region of Kolar district, JD(S) members led by K N Manjunath Gowda paid a visit to Dharmasthala here on Friday January 11. People of Malur region also arrived in as many as 364 buses, all sponsored by Manjunath Gowda.
The trip was made as per the announcement by JD(S) leader Anitha Kumarswamy.
Each of the 364 buses carried images of HD Kumarswamy and Manjunath Gowda along with the image of Shree Manjunatha Swamy. The banners read, “A prayer to Shree Manjunath of Dharmasthala, for the permanent solution to water crisis in Malur”.
Redirect Netravati
Speaking to reporters after holding discussion with Dr D Veerendra Heggade, Manjunath Gowda said, "There is acute drinking water shortage in the district of Malur. We are in need of water. Water should to be supplied from regions where there is adequate water. Diversion of Netravati River can solve the problem. We are here to ask water for our people and there is no political motive," he said.
"Water is currently being supplied to Malur in tankers, however, we need a permanent solution," he added.
No diversion of Netravati: Dr Heggade
Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade, however, refused to accept demands of Netravati diversion.
"It is not at all possible to divert the river. Regarding diversion, a complete study of its advantages and disadvantages needs to be done. I cannot solely take the decision. I cannot do injustice to the people of this region," Dr Heggade told Manjunath Gowda during the discussions.
Political Agenda
There seemed to be a clear political agenda behind the JD(S) visit on the water crisis issue.
One person in the team that arrived at Dharmasthala has been reportedly taking people of the region on weekly trips to Dharmasthala and other places, with the image of the former minister M Krishnayya Shetty attached to the vehicle, in a bid to grab voters' attention.
It is said that efforts are on to woo voters of this region towards JD(S) in the name of water crisis and other issues.
Interestingly, some of those who arrived in the 364 buses did not even know the intention behind their visit, and said that they had come to offer prayers at Dharmasthala temple.