Hans News Service New Delhi

KarnatakaChief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday announced that an all-party meeting has been convened on August 2 at Krishna, the Chief Minister’s official residence in Bengaluru, to discuss the state’s strategy on the ongoing Cauvery water dispute.

Addressing the media at Karnataka Bhavan in New Delhi, Shivakumar said former Chief Ministers, Members of Parliament from the Cauvery basin region, and legislators have been invited to participate in the meeting.

The Chief Minister said the state has already filed an appeal before the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) against the recent directive on water release to Tamil Nadu. He added that the government would deliberate on the future course of action at the all-party meeting.

Shivakumar also revealed that he had held discussions with Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi and V. Somanna, along with senior BJP leaders Jagadish Shettar and Basavaraj Bommai, regarding the issue. He said they had assured their support and were making sincere efforts to safeguard Karnataka’s interests.

Responding to reports that a DMK leader had advised Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay to engage with the Union Government instead of Karnataka Congress leaders, Shivakumar declined to comment.

“We are not interested in political confrontation. There are established legal mechanisms to resolve such issues. We must respect each other and work together in the interest of the country,” he said.

Reacting to the BJP’s criticism over the delay in expanding the Karnataka Cabinet, Shivakumar hit back by recalling the previous BJP government.

“Did B.S. Yediyurappa not govern for a period without a full Cabinet? Didn’t the father and son enjoy power then?” he remarked, taking a swipe at the Opposition.