From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Sep 19: Former BJP Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai’s suggestion on Cauvery Water dispute cannot be accepted as his objective is to put the Congress government in trouble while former Prime Minister and JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda has spoken from his vast experience, said Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday.
Speaking to media persons near his residence on Tuesday, he said the State Government does not want to follow the advice of BJP leader Bommai to approach the Supreme Court without following the Cauvery Water Management Authority’s directive to release 5,000 cusecs of water daily till September 19 to Tamil Nadu.
Shivakumar, who is also heading the State’s Water Resources Department, said Bommai’s suggestion to wage a legal battle without releasing the Cauvery Water is unsound.
“We are ready for a legal battle but will have to be conscious of the Supreme Court too. How can we approach the apex court pleading our inability to release water as directed by the Authority and then ask its lenience? It is inviting trouble,’’ he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister said Karnataka will have no face to show when the Supreme Court asks why the Authority’s order has not been followed.
“If the Supreme Court passes strictures against Karnataka, what is the choice before the Government and Bommai,’’ he asked.
Shivakumar urged Bommai to keep aside the political differences with the Congress party and mount pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene to mediate on the issue.
“Let the BJP submit an appeal to the Cauvery Water Management Authority and the Cauvery Monitoring Committee on the precarious condition of Karnataka,’’ he said asking Bommai to keep aside politics and fight for protecting the interests of Karnataka.
He said he will be leaving for Delhi shortly and meet the State’s MPs to exert pressure on the Prime Minister to mediate. "We are ready to do our bit,’’ he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister said Deve Gowda’s suggestion in the Rajya Sabha on Monday to bring an out-of-court solution to the issue is welcome. "He is a veteran leader and speaks from his vast experience. His suggestion is acceptable,’’ he said.
Shivakumar urged Bommai, who had served as Chief Minister and had earlier handled the Water Resources Department, must give useful and constructive suggestions in the interests of the State.
“Karnataka’s legal team comprises of persons appointed by his (BJP) government,’’ he said wondering whether to go by the advice of the legal experts or Bommai?
Asked why the State Government has not sought the advice of the veteran legal expert Nariman, the Deputy Chief Minister said the State’s legal experts are disciples of Nariman and they know their business.