Amid struggle to revive party after huge poll loss, Cauvery water row with TN comes in handy for BJP

Shyam Sundar Vattam | NT

Bengaluru: The BJP Core Committee was held on Monday to strategize on cornering the Siddaramaiah-led Congress Government over the contentious issue of releasing Cauvery water to neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

This decision comes despite dams in the Cauvery Basin running dry due to this year’s monsoon failure. The committee, attended by prominent figures including former chief ministers B.S. Yediyurappa, D.V. Sadananda Gowda, and Basavararaj Bommai, along with State BJP President Nalin Kumar Kateel, delved into the intricacies of the Cauvery water dispute.

The committee recognized the deep-rooted sentiments associated with the Cauvery River, which serves as a lifeline for districts such as Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagar, Hassan, and Ramanagar.

This vital water source also caters to over half of Bengaluru City’s drinking water needs.

The BJP aims to capitalize on this issue, pointing out the incongruity between water release and the challenges faced by Karnataka. This move is also intended to take on the DMK, a key ally of the Congress-led I.N.D.I.A front against the BJP-led NDA.

Amidst the discussions, the BJP leaders emphasized the importance of unity within the party ranks, especially in light of conflicting statements by some leaders that have caused confusion among party workers.

The impending 2024 Lok Sabha polls were highlighted as a critical battleground for the party’s resurgence.

The BJP stalwarts implored on former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, a member of the BJP Parliamentary Board, to play a role in safeguarding the party from Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s announced “Operation Hastha.”

As the party gears up for parliamentary polls within the next 8-10 months, the committee called for a collective effort to maintain the 25 seats secured in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The committee suggested that former Chief Minister Yediyurappa lead a state tour to boost party morale and reinvigorate workers.