Karnataka Chief Minister-designate and Janata Dal (Secular) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy on Sunday said Tamil Nadu and Karnataka were like brothers, and the Cauvery issue was the only problem between the two States.
Speaking to reporters at the Sri Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam, where he had come to offer worship, Mr. Kumaraswamy said Karnataka’s farmers were also facing distress as the reservoirs in the State were empty. He said he had come to seek the blessings of Lord Ranganatha and the support of nature as heavy rains would make it easier to share water. He sought full cooperation from Tamil Nadu. Problems could be sorted out through mutual understanding, he hoped.
On actor Rajinikanth’s demand that Cauvery water be released to Tamil Nadu, Mr. Kumaraswamy said, “Water can be released only if it is available in our reservoirs. I request Mr. Rajinikanth to visit Karnataka and check whether there is water or not.”
“I hope he changes his opinion after visiting the State and understanding the ground reality,” he added.
Warm reception
Earlier, Mr. Kumaraswamy, who was accompanied by his brothers H.D. Revanna, Balakrishna and Ramesh, was given a warm reception at the Renga Renga Gopuram. He arrived by a special flight from Bengaluru.
Mr. Kumaraswamy also offered worship at the Thaayaar Sannidhi, Sri Chakrathalwar and Sri Garudalwar Sannidhi and Sri Dhanvanthiri Sannidhi for over an hour.
As he entered the shrine of Lord Ranganatha, a few devotees pleaded with Mr. Kumaraswamy to release Cauvery water. He shook hands with them and said, “Okay”.
