HD Kumaraswamy Slams Ineffectiveness of Cauvery All-Party Meeting

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy criticized the recent all-party meeting on the Cauvery water issue, calling it ineffective. He questioned the motives behind water being released to Tamil Nadu and expressed frustration over restrictions placed on his activities in Mandya. He also criticized Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy criticized the recent all-party meeting on the Cauvery water dispute, branding it as ineffective and questioning its very purpose. He expressed his frustration over the release of water to Tamil Nadu under the guise of assisting farmers, ridiculing the idea of attending the meeting just for refreshments. "Water has been diverted to Tamil Nadu from KRS under the pretext of supporting farmers. An all-party meeting has been convened without any water. Should I attend the meeting just to eat the almonds provided? Did you have to go to Shahabbasagiri for releasing the water? If I conduct a Janata Darshan in Mandya, the authorities have instructed me not to participate," Kumaraswamy said, in response to a media query about the meeting.

He further highlighted restrictions imposed against him by authorities, preventing him from holding meetings with officials in Mandya. "What does he want after ordering not to hold a meeting with the authorities? I went to thank voters in Pandavapur. I know which program to attend on which occasion. Do we need their permission? Why did you even meet? What have you decided?" he asked, noting that despite the meeting, only a small amount of water was agreed to be released.

"Everyone is witnessing how they treat us. If you go to Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, the Chief Minister himself will call and seek cooperation," he said. Kumaraswamy further commented, "If I approve the state schemes, they will try to halt them."

Kumaraswamy also took aim at Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, asserting, "Whatever program we undertake, we do it sincerely. His character did not engage in illegal activities. Those who supported him to become the Chief Minister are now playing with his life." Reflecting on his own term, he added, "I resolved the corporation's garbage issue. You are carrying a movie box; in our time, there were no CDs. He didn't survive by looting wherever he could. They are searching for records against me even by holding meetings on Sundays."

(With inputs from agencies.)