Yediyurappa politicking on Cauvery, says Siddu

Kalaburagi, NT Bureau: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah hit back against BJP leader BS Yediyurappa for his criticism of the State government regarding the Cauvery water sharing issue with Tamil Nadu, terming it a political statement.

Yediyurappa said that the Siddaramaiah administration was in “deep slumber” and alleged that they had released Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu under pressure from the neighbouring state.

The CM pointed out that Cauvery water had been released to Tamil Nadu when Yediyurappa was the head of the government.

“Cauvery water had been released in Yediyurappa’s time and everyone else’s reign as well,” he said.

He added that the government had released water under the directions of constitutional bodies like Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and the Supreme Court (SC) but could no longer oblige because there wasn’t enough water to meet Karnataka’s drinking water and farming needs.

Siddaramaiah also tried to downplay Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna’s statement that he would recommend the high command to appoint three more Deputy CMs, one from SC or ST categories, one from a minority community and another from Veerashaiva-Lingayat community.

The CM said his colleague was speaking to seniors and would abide by the high command’s decision.