Bengaluru: Basavaraj Bommai, former Chief Minister of Karnataka and BJP leader, has accused the Siddaramaiah government of failing to protect Karnataka's rights in the ongoing Cauvery water dispute with Tamil Nadu.
He labelled the Siddaramaiah-led government as irresponsible and cited instances when even the Supreme Court had permitted them to file a review petition.
The Karnataka Chief Minister's office revealed that the state government had filed a revision petition with the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) challenging its directive to release 3,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu. Additionally, after assessing the situation, the state government plans to approach the Supreme Court regarding this matter.
Bommai criticised the Karnataka government for not highlighting crucial issues that could have led to a favourable decision for Karnataka from CWMA and the Supreme Court. He urged the government to communicate the ground realities, such as the scarcity of drinking water and the dire condition of crops, which are deteriorating due to water shortages. He also accused Tamil Nadu of unauthorised cultivation and misuse of water resources.
Bommai asserted, "This government does not have the will to protect the water rights of Karnataka." He highlighted that Tamil Nadu had received an additional monsoon, which had not been adequately addressed.
The CWRC had initially ordered Karnataka to release 5,000 cusecs of Cauvery water at Biligundlu. However, due to the severe drought in parts of Karnataka, the state refused to comply with the water supply to Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu countered these claims, accusing Karnataka of misinformation.
Siddaramaiah had expressed the state's intent to challenge the CWMA's order in the Supreme Court, emphasising the lack of water to fulfil Tamil Nadu's demands.
The ongoing Cauvery water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu remains a contentious issue, and the state governments are pursuing legal avenues to address their concerns.