Former PM HD Deve Gowda slams happenings at monsoon session

Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowdaon Sunday slammed the unruly scenes in the Rajya Sabha and wastage of the recent parliamentary session, noting that he had not seen anything like this in his 30 years as a parliamentarian. The recent parliamentary session witnessed bills being passed without debate as the opposition demanded discussions on the Pegasus row, the three controversial farm laws, etc.

Gowda noted that no issues pertaining to the people were discussed. He also noted that he had met with opposition leaders after the session, which concluded on August 11, asking what they had achieved for no issues were discussed.

"I was not allowed to speak during the monsoon session due to the ruckus by members of the ruling and opposition parties. No business took place and the session was wasted," the JD(S) leader said.

Regarding the behaviour of parliamentarians within the parliament, he said, "I am disgusted with the behaviour of the ruling party, as well as the members of the opposition... People danced on the table in the well the house. In my 30 years as a parliamentarian, I have never witnessed any incident like this." Such behaviour shows the degradation of democratic values and is an insult to the people who fought for the freedom of the country, he added. Furthermore, it is not good for society.

Gowda further added that his party would launch a state-wide campaign to resolve the water disputes in the state, including those involving the Krishna and Mahadayi rivers and Mekedatu balancing reservoir project on the conclusion of the legislature session on September 24. Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommao has already spoken to NCP Sharad Pawar and other BJP leaders to resolve the Krishna and Mahadayi water sharing issues with Maharashtra. Some leaders from Tamil Nadu, meanwhile, has advocated a reservoir on the Cauvery river at Hogenakkal and not Mekedatu in Ramanagara, he added.

"A reservoir at Hogenakkal would mean encompassing a large catchment area whereas, in Mekedatu, the catchment area is small," Gowda said. Only a regional party like the JD(S) can find the solution to these water disputes and not any national party, he added.

He further noted that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi must walk the extra mile to hone his political skills. The former PM also wondered what the leader achieved by taking a bicycle rally to protest fuel price hike.