Bengaluru: The political drama has heated up in Karnataka as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the span of 24 hours met two veterans of Karnataka politics to take their advice on handling the Cauvery predicament. Former prime minister HD Deve Gowda and former chief minister SM Krishna have told Siddaramaiah not to release water to Tamil Nadu and stay firm on the decision.
With just 28 tmfct water left in four damns in the Cauvery basin, the state government is in catch 22 situation, whether to abide by Supreme Court's order or to let the farmers of the state suffer. The state government has called for a legislative session on Friday and would take final call about the apex court's order on the floor of the House.
Karnataka Water Resource Minister MB Patil said, "How can you afford to give water to other state when we ourselves are falling short? We just have 28 tmcft left, if we release water there won't be drinking water for any of us."
According to sources, Congress leader Veerappa Moily briefed the Advocate General about how to place the state's situation in front of Supreme Court and what steps needs to be taken if Karnataka decides not to release water to Tamil Nadu. With JDS and independent MLAs backing the government, it seems that the release of water is quite unlikely.
Senior Advocate and former attorney general BV Acharya said, "It's not contempt of court if the state goes against apex court's order. Contempt is only when its wilful disobedience. The reality on ground is grim, with no water available. This won't lead to contempt of court and the state should not release water to Tamil Nadu."
A bigger headache to Karnataka is the court's order of setting up Cauvery Management Board, which is to be formed by Centre in next four weeks. Once in place, the state would lose all power over its reservoirs. Many senior politicians feel that this would be doomsday for Karnataka.
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