Bengaluru: Former Chief Minister Basavaraja Bommai has announced plans for a “Cauvery Rakshana Yatra” in the Cauvery basin’s taluks to protest against the Karnataka state government’s release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. Speaking at a press conference following a meeting with party leaders from Cauvery districts, including former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa, he criticised the government’s handling of the Cauvery issue.
Bommai stated, “The government’s handling of the Cauvery issue has been inadequate. Cauvery water management should have been addressed in June, but we have not even provided 30% of the water to our farmers. Tamil Nadu is cultivating a second crop with our water.” He further expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s presentation of the state’s case before the relevant authorities.
He urged the state government to present the facts before the Supreme Court effectively and suggested appointing a proficient lawyer for the Cauvery issue, similar to the Water Resources Minister’s approach to his personal cases.
Bommai also highlighted the plight of farmers in the Cauvery basin, whose crops have suffered due to delayed water release. He called for higher compensation for affected farmers and emphasized that water should not be released to Tamil Nadu for any reason.
To escalate the protest, the BJP plans to conduct a “Cauvery People Awareness Yatra” in all taluks of the Cauvery basin, involving marches, satyagraha, and protests. The case is scheduled for a Supreme Court hearing on September 21, where the next course of action will be decided.
Bommai criticized attempts to involve the central government in the Cauvery water sharing issue, suggesting direct communication between the Karnataka government and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. He challenged the ruling party, Congress, to take this approach.