We are building dams with our money and supplying water to others, says HDK
4 min read
Bengaluru: Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy expressed deep disappointment stating, “While we declare that our water is our right, we are building dams using our tax money and releasing water to Tamil Nadu. We Kannadigas are doing the work of water carriers!”
He was speaking at a workshop and seminar on the “Sharing of Cauvery River Water” organised by the Cauvery River Protection Committee at Kuvempu Kalakshetra in Bengaluru.
“We have been subjected to injustice on the Cauvery issue. Our state has always been left behind. Time and again, neighbouring states have benefitted more than us. There is no unity among Kannadigas—even in matters related to water,” he said.
He also criticised the Congress government in the state, saying it is pursuing a dual stand on the Mekedatu project.
“Our relationship with Tamil Nadu’s DMK is limited to politics. We have not entered into any political agreement with them regarding Mekedatu,” he said, referring to the Deputy Chief Minister’s statement.
“Here, they go on padayatras saying ‘our water is our right’, while their stand remains contradictory,” he added.
He warned, “Unless we Kannadigas unite, we will not get justice on the Cauvery issue. With the growing population in Bengaluru, there may come a time when even if we release all the water from the KRS dam, it won’t be enough for the capital city’s drinking water needs. That’s why we initiated the Mekedatu project with foresight.”
Recalling his campaign promise, Kumaraswamy said, “I had promised that if you elect us from Mandya, I would get the Centre’s approval for Mekedatu within five minutes. Now DK Shivakumar is asking me to fulfil that promise. But before that, he must do something—get approval from his ally’s government in Tamil Nadu. Then he can speak about us,” Kumaraswamy asserted.
He continued, “Whenever Cauvery is discussed in Parliament, all Tamil Nadu MPs set aside political differences and unite. But what happens in our state? We bring in politics, caste, and division into everything. That has been our curse.”
“No justice without unity”
“Now the Deputy Chief Minister is backtracking, saying that they only have a political agreement with the DMK. This should not be our policy. When it comes to land, water, and language, we must put politics and differences aside. Otherwise, we will never get justice for Karnataka,” Kumaraswamy warned.
He reminded everyone, “Even at the age of 93, Deve Gowda comes to the House in a wheelchair to fight for our irrigation projects. Let no one forget this.”
He emphasised the sacrifices made in the Cauvery struggle, saying, “We must recall the fights and sacrifices made by leaders like Channabasappa, H N Nanje Gowda, and Deve Gowda. These were the leaders who stood in the frontlines to get justice for Karnataka.”
“Justice will come only through you,” my father always told me
“My father has always told me that justice for Karnataka’s irrigation injustice will come only through me. He has said this many times. I have unwavering faith in God and believe that my dream will come true,” Kumaraswamy said emotionally.
“We’ll give you as much Cauvery water as you want—just grow paddy for us!”
Kumaraswamy recalled an incident from the past: “Once, a former Karnataka Chief Minister was attending the birthday event of Tamil Nadu CM Kamaraj in then-Madras (now Chennai). During his speech, he said, ‘We will give you as much Cauvery water as you want. Just grow paddy for us.’ This shows the generosity of Karnataka. But today, that very generosity is hurting us,” he lamented.
However, Deve Gowda, who had then just entered the Legislative Assembly as an independent MLA, strongly opposed the CM’s statement.
“He tabled a private resolution in the Assembly and led a movement to ensure justice for Karnataka. As a result of his struggle, the Kabini, Harangi, and Hemavati reservoirs were built. No one should forget this,” Kumaraswamy added.
He further said that Deve Gowda didn’t just fight for Cauvery but also contributed to Krishna basin projects.
“As Prime Minister, he rendered immense service to the people of North Karnataka. But some have spread lies calling him a ‘contractor’, trying to tarnish his image,” Kumaraswamy noted.
The event was graced by Sri Sri Sri Dr Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji of Adichunchanagiri Math, Sri Soumya Natha Swamiji, Sri Siddarameshwara Swamiji and Sri Nishchalanandanatha Swamiji.
Leader of Opposition R Ashoka, former Supreme Court Justice V Gopala Gowda, MP Dr C N Manjunath, former IAS officer T Thimmegowda, former MLC K A Tippeswamy, Cauvery River Protection Committee President H K Ramu and Permanent Irrigation Struggle Committee President R Anjaneya Reddy were also present at the programme.
– Team Mysoorunews
Mysooru News
