Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah who took a major decision to defer release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu as directed by the apex court had a meeting with the Governor Vajubhai Vala on Thursday ahead of special joint session on Friday which is expected to ratify the decision take by the State.
After meeting the Governor Siddaramaiah said “I have in detail appraised the Governor about the developments that took place after the apex court direction to release 6,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for seven days and about the views of all political parties for not releasing the water due to depleted levels in Cauvery basin reservoirs.”
The joint special one day session of both the houses on Friday is expected to ratify and unanimously take a decision not to release water to Tamil Nadu. According to expert this decision will not lead to contempt of court and State might take further legal recourse in the matter. Siddaramaiah who’s image has taken a beating over several issues, has got an opportunity to play a crucial political role ahead of 2018 Assembly polls.
The State cabinet had decided on Wednesday to convene the one-day session to discuss the Cauvery water issue after the Government had called for an all-party meet. Siddaramaiah, also called on former Chief Minister and veteran Congress leader SM Krishna who has supported his decisions. Krishna said the steps taken by the Karnataka Government, including convening all party meeting and Special Session tomorrow, is in accordance with the law.
“We are not in a position to release water now and I fully support the Government on this issue. I appeal to all political parties to strengthen the hands of the Government at this tricky situation,” Krishna added.
During his tenure as Chief Minister Krishna had to face similar situation and defied the apex court direction as the State was under distress due to failed monsoon. It is expected Siddaramaiah will be leaving for New Delhi later to meet the Congress High command. He is expected to hold a meeting with Congress president Sonia Gandhi and explain the latest developments in the State.
Meanwhile the two houses of Karnataka legislature will meet on Friday to adopt a unanimous resolution against the latest direction of the Supreme Court to release 6,000 cusecs of water from the river Cauvery to Tamil Nadu from September 22 to 27. The Karnataka Cabinet had decided to defer releasing of water to Tamil Nadu and also convened a special session to get the ratification of its decision to defy the SC order.
The main Opposition BJP, which boycotted the All Party meeting, later welcomed the Government’s decision to defy the apex court order and not to release water and expressed its willingness to attend the session.