Farmers matter more than politics: Shivakumar at all-party meet on Cauvery issue
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
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 long-running 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.
Read Full Story "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." He also expressed his appreciation for cooperation extending beyond party lines by mentioning meetings with Union Ministers and senior opposition leaders in the state. "Before the CWRC and CWMA (Cauvery Water Management Authority) 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. Ends
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