Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Sep 23: Although they are not openly saying it, discontentment is brewing within the state BJP over the way the leaders of the party have handled Mahadayi and Cauvery river water disputes of the state with neighbouring states. As there is a general feeling that the Supreme Court and central government have let Karnataka down in these issues, there is fear among the BJP lower rungs that ultimately this might result in backlash during the next election.

There is growing resentment at the inability of BJP leaders from the state to use their clout and do something good for the people, duly taking advantage of the fact that the party has stronghold at the centre. They feel that the party has lost its charisma because of its lackadaisical approach towards water crisis facing the state. If posts on the internet and feelings being expressed by party activists with local leaders in general are taken into consideration, there is belief that the party has still room for repairing the damage by pressurizing the central government to yield. There is a growing feeling that Narendra Modi-led government has not taken proactive steps to intervene in the matter and settle the issue through affective mediation.

State BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa

The supporters of the party are also angry that BJP decided against attending the all-party meet in the city on Wednesday. They could have taken part in the meeting, spelt out their formula or solution for the problem and could have expressed themselves against the state's stand if their suggestions were overlooked, they point out. JDS, which took part in the meet, sent a clear signal that that it is with the government when the issue of state's interest crops up, and therefore, reaped benefit, it is generally felt.

On Thursday September 22, surprisingly, former Prime Minister, H D Deve Gowda, contacted BJP leaders, Yeddyurappa, Jagadish Shettar and K S Eshwarappa, over phone and advised them to show solidarity and unity in the issue of Cauvery water dispute apolitically. Sources said that he wanted them to support the state on this issue, give a clear message that state's interests are above political considerations, and help in passing an unanimous resolution on the issue at the session of the legislature on Friday.

Leader of the Congress in parliament, Mallikarjun Kharge, expressed the suspicion that the Supreme Court verdicts which repeatedly have favoured Tamill Nadu might be part of conspiracy to deliver blow to the eminent stature of Bengaluru internationally. He was speaking at a protest organized by Congress MPs near the statue of Gandhiji between Vidhana Soudha and Vikasa Soudha on Thursday. The MPs also raised slogans against Supreme Court on this occasion.