Cauvery issue: HD Deve Gowda skips all-party meeting due to health issue
Bengaluru, August 2
Former Prime Minister and Janata Dal supremo HD Deve Gowda on Saturday wrote to Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar regarding the all-party meeting on the "Cauvery river water issue", stating that while he supports the state's cause, he will be unable to attend the session due to health reasons.
In the letter, the veteran leader acknowledged the invitation for the meeting scheduled to take place on August 2, 2026, at 'Krishna', the Chief Minister's official residence.
Expressing his solidarity with the state's stance on the water dispute, Deve Gowda wrote, "Thank you sincerely for inviting me to the all-party meeting on 'Cauvery River Water Issue' scheduled for August 2, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Krishna, the CM's official residence. As it concerns the state's interests, the livelihood of our farmers, and protecting the water rights of farmers and people in the Cauvery basin region, I have always supported the efforts of the state government on this important matter."
However, the former Prime Minister informed that he would be skipping the meeting due to his current health status.
"However, due to personal and health-related reasons, I will not be able to attend the meeting. In this regard, I express my complete support to the state government's legal efforts to protect the state's interests on this crucial issue," the letter read.
The JD(S) supremo further confirmed that the party would be well-represented at the high-level meeting by Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy and other senior leaders.
"Further, from the Janata Dal (Secular) party, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy, along with JD(S) legislators and party leaders, will be participating in the all-party meeting," Deve Gowda added.
While addressing an all-party meeting convened to discuss the Cauvery water issue, Karnataka Chief Minister Shivakumar on Sunday said the interests of the state's farmers and people were more important than politics.
"The interests of the state's farmers and people are more important than politics," Shivakumar said, adding that Karnataka has a history of setting aside political differences and standing united whenever the state's interests are at stake.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is a classic case of old-age politics. Deve Gowda should have designated a successor properly long ago. Now, his son is in the central government and he's not attending state meetings! Karnataka's farmer's issue needs all hands on deck, not just letters of support.
Never thought I'd see the day when DK Shivakumar and HD Deve Gowda would be on the same page! Water issues truly bring Karnataka together. But honestly, the real question is — what about Tamil Nadu's farmers? This is a two-state issue that needs a national solution, not just regional meetings.
Respected Deve Gowda ji, your letter is appreciated but we need young blood to lead these discussions. The Cauvery issue has been dragging on for decades. Our farmers are suffering every summer. I hope Kumaraswamy brings some fresh energy to the table. 🤞
Health issues come and go but the Cauvery problem stays forever! All-party meets are just political theatre anyway. The real solution lies in the Supreme Court and the Cauvery Water Management Authority. We've been hearing these same political statements for 30 years now. What has changed? Nothing.
It's sweet that DK Shivakumar said "interests of farmers are more important than politics." Maybe for once, all parties in Karnataka should actually mean it. The water crisis is real, not just for agriculture but for drinking water in Bengaluru too. Let's hope this meeting produces some concrete action.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.