Karnataka must not be subjected to injustice in river linking: MP Basavaraj Bommai
Haveri: The state government must not allow injustice to Karnataka in the river-linking matter. Through Krishna and Cauvery basins, they get more water. The stance must be asserted strongly and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should convene an all-party meeting to discuss all these issues, urged former Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai.
Responding to a question regarding the state government’s refusal to sign the draft agreement on equitable sharing of river-linking waters, he told reporters here on Friday that this matter is 15 years old. It was prepared by the National Water Development Authority. Their policy was that if Cauvery, Godavari, Krishna, and Mahanadi rivers are linked, then the share of water should be distributed among all concerned states. In the first DPR, it was mentioned that Karnataka would get 130 TMC of water. But in the second round, it was reduced. When he was Irrigation Minister, he opposed it. He had even sent our state’s lawyers to argue the case.
The MP said Karnataka must get its rightful share in river water distribution. The state government must not give its consent otherwise. Only Andhra and Tamil Nadu will benefit; Karnataka will face injustice. Through Krishna and Cauvery basins, they get more water, and on this issue, their stand must be voiced firmly. The CM Siddaramaiah must call an all-party meeting for discussion.
Centre’s survey final
Responding to a question on the state government conducting the socio-educational survey in the name of caste census, Bommai said the central government has already decided to conduct a systematic census, and caste enumeration will be part of it. That will be final. The CM had said that the state’s Backward Classes Commission would conduct a caste survey. But it turned out they had no authority to do so. Later, it was renamed as a socio-economic survey. A Kantharaj committee was formed for it. They spent ₹350 crore, yet did not accept the report themselves, nor did they release it. To escape those allegations, they are now conducting another census. But only the central government’s census will be the official one. It will happen across all states, including Karnataka.
Appeasement policy must change
On being asked about the incident of clashes during the Ganapati procession in Maddur, the former CM said the state government has forgotten governance. They must change their appeasement policy. Instead of acting against those who pelted stones, they are doing all this. MLC C.T. Ravi has only spoken about what measures we need to take for our safety. He has not spoken against any religion. The government must correct its administrative lapses and change its governance policy.
Flaws in ballot voting
On Congress proposing a return to ballot voting instead of EVMs, he said Siddaramaiah himself became Chief Minister by winning through EVMs. Congress won 136 seats. Even the Supreme Court has given its verdict. India has advanced in many sectors now. They are ahead in technology. There are examples where, in ballot voting, the votes of a losing candidate were added to those of the winning candidate. There are many such shortcomings. This matter must be discussed.
