Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council and former Irrigation Minister K.S. Eshwarappa has taken exception to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa demanding release of Cauvery water by Karnataka at a time when it was facing serious drought.
“It is a matter of concern that she is demanding water when Karnataka is in crisis, with 135 of 176 taluks reeling under severe drought,” he said. He accused Ms. Jayalalithaa of trying to “play politics” even in the time of distress. “She has been demanding water for irrigation from a State, which is finding it difficult to quench the thirst of its own people.” Pointing out that Ms. Jayalalithaa had sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention on the issue, Mr. Eshwarappa appealed to Mr. Modi to advise her to desist from demanding water.
