Karnataka CPI(M) On Cauvery Dispute

THE Communist Party of India (Marxist) Karnataka state secretariat has opined that the Karnataka government's refusal to obey Supreme Court's direction to release the water is a dangerous stand, keeping in view the long term interest of the state as well as the interests of the farmers of the Cauvery basin. At  the same time, it felt that the Tamilnadu government was acting with selfish political motive by blaming and demanding the dismissal of the Karnataka government. This dangerous course would only enhance the chauvinistic atmosphere in both the states, affecting the federal polity and unity of the country, felt the CPI(M).

Referring to the Padayatra undertaken by the state chief minister alongwith the PCC chief, the CPI(M) state secretariat said that this only shows that the Cauvery dispute is being used for political gains and that this would lead to the opposition parties competing with the Congress, further affecting the already charged atmosphere in the state.

"Cauvery Tribunal's final order is expected within few months. In such a situation, the rigid stand taken by the Karnataka Govt. for its immediate political gains, has created an impression throughout the country that Karnataka is not obeying the direction of Supreme Court, Tribunal or CRA and this may lead to adverse affect on the final order. CPI(M) cautions that, for several decades in the future the farmers of Hasan, Mysore and Mandya have to face adverse situation" cautioned the CPI(M).

Pointing out that the Karnataka government had requested for establishment of Tribunal in respect of Krishna River water distribution also, the Party warned that the present stand of the government may affect the state in that matter also.

The CPI(M) state committee had been advocating since August this year that the state government should not take a unilateral stand. Instead, it should place before the Cauvery River Authority the problems being faced by the Karnataka people. The Karnataka government has not paid heed to this suggestion.

The CPI(M) has termed it regrettable that film artists, producers and others have entered the scene of agitation making provocative demands. It appealed to the people of Karnataka and the farmers of Cauvery basin, not to fall prey to the forces of linguistic jingoism and  chauvinism, in the long term interest of farmers and the unity of the country.