While KRRS leader and Melukote MLA Darshan Puttannaiah has described the postponement of the hearing of the Cauvery water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to September 21 by the Supreme Court as a “big blow” to the State’s interests, Minister for Agriculture N. Cheluvarayaswamy has assured that a suitable decision on protecting farmers’ interests will be taken after holding talks with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also holds the water resources portfolio.
Speaking to reporters at Nagamangala in Mandya district, Mr. Cheluvarayaswamy said the State was hopeful of a direction in its favour by the Supreme Court. But, the State will find it difficult to release water to Tamil Nadu in the wake of the decision to put off the hearing till September 21, he said.
He said the matter will be discussed with Mr. Siddaramaiah and Mr. Shivakumar before a decision is taken on the State’s future course of action to protect the interests of its farmers.
