Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Sep 9: The activists of Pro-Kannada organizations, Karnataka Karmika Vedike, Kannada Sahitya parishat and Jaya Karnataka of Udupi unit jointly staged a massive protest in front of Clock tower, opposing Supreme Court verdict on Cauvery water here on Friday, September 9.

Ravi Shetty, district president, Karnataka Karmika Vedike addressing the protestors said, “Many of the districts in the state are facing severe drought. There is lack of drinking water in the state.” 

“In the petition, Tamil Nadu chief minister said crops will be destroyed due to drought, even though having good yield in Tamil Nadu.”

Posing a question, he said, “How could the Supreme Court pass a verdict on Cauvery water without consulting Karnataka’s Chief Minister? Being a senior counsel, Fali Nariman was supposed to bring notice to the government on releasing 15, 000 cusecs of water for next six days.”

“Central government should intervene in solving Cauvery water dispute. The government is showing step-motherly attitude while treating farmers of Karnataka. If the situation continues the same way, the pro- Kannada outfits will stage protest across state.”

Neelavar Surendra Adiga, district president, Kannada Sahitya Parishat said, “Karnataka’s citizens should get ample water from their motherland. People should get united for protecting Kannada culture and water. Kannadigas will not stay silent.”
Janani Diwakar Shetty, district president, Jayakarnataka, Karunakar Manipal, Ramesh and auto union members participated in the protest.

Activists shouted against Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalitha and the state government.

District Bharatiya Janata Party members staged a protest separately near service bus stand, Udupi opposing release of Cauvery water.

BJP district president Mattaru Ratnakar Hegde said, “The government could have fought legally but F S Nariman submitted a wrong report to the Supreme Court. Karnataka’s reservoirs are getting dried. Chief Minister is not dealing with the Cauvery issue firmly. Let him resign if cannot solve the issue.”

Some of the BJP activists tried to block road for a while, but police convinced them to disburse from the place. A padayatra was held to mark the protest which began from Jodukatte and ended near Clock tower.

Baikady Suprasad Shetty, Shyamala Kunadar, Yashpal Suvarna and others were present.