The Aryavarth Express
Agency( Karnataka): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President DK Shivakumar firmly rebutted allegations from the BJP accusing the Congress-led state government of covertly releasing water from the Cauvery River to Tamil Nadu, despite Karnataka’s own water scarcity. Labeling these accusations as baseless and politically motivated, Shivakumar underscored the non-existence of surplus water for such releases, dismissing the charges as a mere political stratagem by the BJP.
The controversy stems from BJP leaders’ claims that the Karnataka government has been facilitating substantial water releases to Tamil Nadu due to political obligations, given the alliance between the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu and the opposition INDIA bloc. Shivakumar, who represents Kanakapura in the legislative assembly, highlighted his proactive role in advocating for the Mekedatu project—a proposed balancing reservoir on the Cauvery River aimed at enhancing water security in the region. He called upon BJP MPs and Union Ministers to assist in obtaining the necessary approvals for the project, thereby bolstering Karnataka’s water resources management.
Addressing concerns over water scarcity in parts of Bengaluru, Shivakumar, who also oversees Bengaluru Development, assured residents that the city is not facing a water crisis. He detailed the government’s response to the drying up of approximately 7,000 borewells, including the regulation of water tankers and identification of alternative water sources to ensure uninterrupted supply.
Furthermore, Shivakumar touched upon the recent implementation of a policy mandating that 60% of signage on business establishments be in Kannada. He appealed for patience and compliance from the Kannada activist community, emphasizing the government’s commitment to enforcing this rule without resorting to coercion. The Deputy Chief Minister’s stance reflects a broader effort to navigate the complex interplay of regional water politics, cultural preservation, and urban development amidst challenges posed by resource scarcity and political rivalry.