'Drinking Water Our Priority': Karnataka Deputy CM DKS Amid Cauvery Water Release Row

Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar reiterated that the standing crop and drinking water were priorities of the state.

DK Shivakumar also attacked BJP leaders and told them to get necessary permission for Mekedatu and Mahadayi projects from the Centre before making allegations

Source : PTI

Stating that Karnataka was unable to release the stipulated amount of water to Tamil Nadu from the Cauvery River, Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar said that having drinking water was the priority of the state. On the protests by farmers in the state, he said that the situation was controlled since there was some rainfall in Bengaluru and Ramanagara region.

To a question by reporters on whether Karnataka was still releasing water to Tamil Nadu, he said that the state was not getting the expected inflow of water. So, they were unable to release the quantity of water directed by the Supreme Court, as reported by IANS.

He said that the state was expecting rainfall and it was important to protect the interests of the farmers.

"We are committed to it. There are protests seeking stoppage of water release to Tamil Nadu. The situation was managed as there was some rainfall in Bengaluru, Ramanagara region," he added.

The Deputy CM reiterated that the standing crop and drinking water were their priorities.

Attacking the BJP for their comments on the issue, he said, "Let the party leaders first get the necessary permission for the Mekedatu and Mahadayi projects from the Centre before making allegations against the Congress government."

The Congress leader hit out at the Opposition by alleging that they do not have the capacity to select a Leader of the Opposition or they could not tolerate women traveling freely across the state or people getting zero electricity bills. 

He said, "There has been no government in India which has implemented four guarantee schemes in 100 days after coming to power". 

Earlier, Karnataka released 10 TMC of water from Krishnaraja Sagar dam to Tamil Nadu despite protests by farmers in the streets last month.