Interest of farmers more important than politics: DK Shivakumar at all-party meeting on Cauvery issue
Bengaluru, August 2
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.
The Chief Minister said the Cauvery dispute was not new to the people of Karnataka.
"The Cauvery dispute is not new to us, nor is it new to you. We have all grown up with the Cauvery dispute as an integral part of our lives," he said.
Reiterating the state's position, Shivakumar said Karnataka has consistently maintained that drinking water should receive the highest priority.
"Our stand has always been that drinking water should be given the highest priority. I know that all of you fully agree with this position," he said.
The Chief Minister said that ahead of the meetings of the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) and the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), he had met Union Ministers CR Patil, Pralhad Joshi and V Somanna, as well as former Chief Ministers Basavaraj Bommai and Jagadish Shettar, and apprised them of Karnataka's concerns.
"They too raised Karnataka's concerns before the Centre. I thank them for their support," he said.
He further said that at a meeting of Members of Parliament in New Delhi, MPs cutting across party lines had assured him that they would remain united in safeguarding Karnataka's interests.
"At the meeting of Members of Parliament held in New Delhi, all MPs, irrespective of party affiliation, assured that they would stand united for Karnataka's interests. I thank them as well," Shivakumar added.
An all-party meeting on the Cauvery issue began at Shivakumar's Home Office 'Krishna' in Bengaluru on Sunday to discuss measures aimed at safeguarding the state's interests.
Former Chief Ministers M Veerappa Moily, Siddaramaiah, B S Yediyurappa, H D Kumaraswamy, D V Sadananda Gowda and Basavaraj Bommai are among those attending the meeting.
This meeting is being held with the aim of safeguarding the interests of the state and is being attended by leaders from all parties, a Union Minister from the Cauvery Water Management Authority, Members of Parliament, and senior leaders, where they are holding an important discussion on legal and administrative measures.
Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, Union Ministers V Somanna and Shobha Karandlaje, KPCC President H K Patil, state ministers Ramalinga Reddy, K J George and Krishna Byre Gowda, the Karnataka government's Special Representative in Delhi T B Jayachandra, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly R Ashoka, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, Advocate General Shashikiran Shetty and other senior officials are also participating in the meeting.
The Cauvery water dispute is a long-running inter-state river water-sharing conflict involving Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry, with Karnataka and Tamil Nadu being the principal parties. The dispute revolves around how the waters of the Cauvery River should be shared, particularly during years of low rainfall.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Drinking water priority is non-negotiable. I live in Bengaluru and we've already faced water crisis this summer. The government needs to ensure that basic needs of citizens are met before releasing water downstream. Good to see cross-party unity on this!
I appreciate the CM's words but actions speak louder. We've heard these promises before. Let's see what concrete steps come out of this meeting. Our farmers need water, not just speeches. 😒
This Cauvery issue has been going on since my grandparents' time. The problem is that we treat it as a political tool every few years instead of finding a permanent solution. Need a scientific approach with modern irrigation techniques and rainwater harvesting!
Good to see all former CMs including Yediyurappa, Kumaraswamy and Bommai sitting together. This is what Karnataka unity looks like! We need to put aside our political differences for the sake of our farmers. Jai Karnataka! 🚩
Drinking water first, agriculture second - that should be the policy everywhere. But Tamil Nadu also has its own needs. Why can't we have an impartial authority with scientific data to decide instead of these political meetings every year? We're in 2025 and still fighting over the same river.
V We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.