Farmers matter more than politics: Shivakumar at all-party meet on Cauvery issue

The remarks were made at the all-party meeting convened to chalk out the state's legal and political strategy on the Cauvery water-sharing dispute with Tamil Nadu.

In Short

• People of Karnataka set aside politics for state interests: Shivakumar
• He says that interests of people, farmers more important than politics
• The CM made the remarks during an all-party meeting on Cauvery row

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday said that the people of the state have a history of setting aside political differences and standing united to protect its interests.

The remarks were made at the all-party meeting convened to chalk out the state's legal and political strategy on the Cauvery water-sharing dispute with Tamil Nadu, in the wake of the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee's (CWRC's) direction to release 3,500 cusecs of water daily for 15 days, which was later upheld by the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA).

"We have all grown up with the Cauvery dispute as an integral part of our lives," he said. "The interests of the state's farmers and people are more important than politics," CM Shivakumar remarked.

He added, "On issues concerning the state's welfare, all political parties have come together." The CM further stated, "Our stand has always been that drinking water should receive the highest priority. I know all of you fully agree with this position."

CM LAUDS NON-PARTISAN SUPPORT

The meeting, which took place at Shivakumar's official residence, witnessed the participation of several senior leaders from across party lines, including six former CMs – Veerappa Moily (Congress), Siddaramaiah (Congress), BS Yediyurappa (BJP), HD Kumaraswamy JD(S), DV Sadananda Gowda (BJP), and Basavaraj Bommai (BJP).

He also expressed his appreciation for non-partisan cooperation over the Cauvery issue.

"Before the CWRC and CWMA meetings, I met Union Ministers CR Patil, Pralhad Joshi and V Somanna, as well as former Chief Ministers Basavaraj Bommai and Jagadish Shettar, and explained Karnataka's concerns," CM Shivakumar said.

"They also raised Karnataka's concerns with the Centre. I thank them for their support," he stated. BJP MLA and the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, R Ashok, was also in attendance at the meeting.

While the BJP had initially threatened to boycott the huddle while seeking assurances that the state government would not release any amount of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, it eventually decided to participate following a high-level meeting within the party.

Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra also wrote to Tamil Nadu CM C Joseph Vijay on Sunday, urging dialogue on the long-running interstate dispute.

'I WAS BORN IN CAUVERY BASIN'

The all-party meeting lasted for nearly 2.5 hours. After it concluded, CM Shivakumar interacted with the press, reflecting on how his family background shaped his personal views about the Cauvery issue.

"I, too, was born and brought up in the Cauvery basin. I come from a farming family," he said, asserting that his government is committed to protecting the interests of farmers.

The CM also sought to project a strong non-partisan front over the water-sharing dispute. He said, "During the Congress governments led by Bangarappa, Dharam Singh, and Siddaramaiah, we protected the state's interests. The BJP and the JD(S) have also made their own efforts."

- Ends
(With PTI inputs)