Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Cauvery issue can affect Karnataka election results' that was published in Newsband

Cauvery issue can affect Karnataka election results

The Cauvery issue could have electoral repercussions in Karnataka, which goes to the polls on May 12. The framing of a scheme to implement a river water tribunal’s award is the Centre’s statutory obligation. In its verdict on February 16, 2018, the apex court granted six weeks’ time to the Centre for framing the scheme. Yet, on the eve of the expiry of the deadline, the Union government chose to file an application seeking three more months. Tamil Nadu filed a contempt petition. The government chose to cite the Prime Minister’s preoccupation with the campaign.

The Centre’s attitude suggests that it hopes to persuade the court that a degree of political expediency in the light of the election is normal and acceptable. The truth, nothing but the truth in the highest court of the country is being termed as laughable. While Gandhiji said that in the midst of falsehood truth persists, we see in the midst of falsehood truth is being rediculed.

The truth is if government gives any decision in favour of Karnataka that may be in future unhealthy for the government in case of Tamil Nadu or if it gives decision in favour of Tamil Nadu then may be the results of Karnataka will change and thus affect BJP in this election. So that's why the present government is not deciding anything about the Cauvery dispute. By making an excuse that it is busy in election campaign, they expect to raise the hopes of people of both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu that after election some parmanent solution of Cauvery dispute will come about.

The elementary school excuses of the Modi government in drafting Cauvery scheme expose the immaturity of pulsing a political scenerio where even the last man in the row can easily decipher the underlying foul play. But one thing is still inconspicuous - is it a play to decoy Karnataka or Tamil Nadu? After the elections in Karnataka, basing on the winning or losing, would the decisions be taken? Above all, more than the contempt of the court, the fundamental principles of democracy is deliberately challenged in this issue. This is something that cannot be ignored and taken lightly.

While taking oath, Mr Modi described him as Pradhan Sevak than Pradhan Mantri. He also assured that if citizens work for twelve hours, he will work for thirteen hours. Times change and so is the attitude and behavior of people. PM knows that he and his government cannot be shaken at the centre and for 2019, he has to start sowing the seeds now in assembly elections. Threat from Tamil Nadu can be pooh-poohed as leaders in the state are stale without substance. Tabling the draft scheme after Karnataka elections would give him the leverage over both the states with formation to his line of defense.

When Power is absolute, even Supreme Court had to mellow down. This is flash in pan and our Democratic traditions continue to be strong. If the media and political parties restrict from politicizing the issues then definitely they can teach morales to others.

Politicians of both states and the centre are trying to play politics over Cauvery issue. Even if the people of both states are willing to come to an amicable solution the politicians would not allow it to happen. God alone can save the farmers of TN. Even if they elect DMK in the next election the story would continue forever.

Now let’s talk about Congress. Can Congress declare their stand on this verdict? Do they agree to CM (Karnataka)'s view that they will not go by the SC verdict? Will the Congress high command advise CM Karnataka, to abide by SC ruling? Will they assure people of TN that they will fight for implementation of SC verdict? Will they assure Central government, in case they decide to form a Cauvery Board, they will not politicize the issue? While they enjoy Government's predicaments on this issue, they will not take any position, mainly because of Karnataka elections, right? Then why blame only BJP? -

Centre must have shown its ingenuity and sincerity in bringing the river water sharing issue to a logical end. Centre's lackadaisical approach to the issue raises many eyebrows. The wiser way would have been to draft and submit the details of the Scheme to the Apex court with an humble petition to publicise it post May 15. The party at the Centre wanted to play with the aggrieved citing their utmost business in winning over the Elections. Let the Supreme Court decide it now judicially and bring solace to the needy.