Karnataka Will Never Betray Tamil Nadu, Time To End Cauvery Dispute: HD Kumaraswamy

In a series of tweets on Friday, the former chief minister of Karnataka and Janata Dal (S) leader, HD Kumaraswamy said that Karnataka will never betray Tamil Nadu. He said, now it's time to end the century-long Cauvery water dispute.

Former Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy - File Photo - Photo Credit - Getty Images

Bangalore : While chief minister YS Yediyurappa is being slammed for Mekedatu dam project by Tamil Nadu political leaders, former Karnataka CM Kumaraswamy said that the controversy on Mekedatu is unnecessary as the project does no harm to any of the two states.

Speaking on fellowship, he said, "By taking such a novel measure, we must also display unity. Let such an effort begin during the regime of Stalin. Such an effort will have my full backing. The need of the hour is to protect the spirit of brotherhood between both the states," he tweeted.

On a century-long Cauvery water dispute, he said, "Let us put an end to the fight between the two states over Cauvery. Being southern Indians, we must realise that there is no need for us to fight among ourselves. The Cauvery issue has to be resolved through the spirit of brotherhood," he concluded.

He reiterated in another tweet, “Now, let both of us - politicians - too become brothers with respect to the Cauvery issue. If Stalin takes a step ahead with the spirit of brotherhood, I am ready to walk two steps, “he said.

Here are excerpts from his further tweets on Cauvery issue:

"Stalin should understand that it is the time for both the states to remain united for the protection of our pride."

"Let Tamil Nadu government allow the implementation of Mekedatu reservoir project. It has already been clearly explained that Mekedatu project will not harm the interests of Tamil Nadu. The intention of Mekedatu project is not irrigation, but taking care of only drinking water..

.. requirements. Stalin should realise this and co-operate with Karnataka with respect to the construction of reservoir."

"In the last three to four years, Karnataka has released water in excess of the prescribed limit to TN. We have released more water when nature has co-operated..."

"In fact, Karnataka has not betrayed TN even during drought. Therefore, let brother Stalin not have any doubts or concerns over TN’s share of water."

"There is no instance of Karnataka protecting its farmers by betraying Tamil Nadu farmers. All farmers whether they are in Tamil Nadu or Karnataka are the same. They are children of the Mother Earth. They are our brothers…"

TN CM MK Stalin, during his recent visit to Delhi, had asked PM Modi not to grant permission for the Mekedatu dam project calling it a project against farmers' interests of Tamil Nadu. He said, it will reduce the amount of Cauvery water available to the state as per the final judgment of the Supreme Court, he said.