Cauvery issue
The ongoing Cauvery water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka underscores the gravity of India’s inter-State water conflicts, with the report, “SC to constitute a new Bench to hear Cauvery water issue” (Page 1, August 22) highlighting the importance of the matter. However, the underlying political games that are being played are disturbing. While the plea of Tamil Nadu is grounded in the dire necessity to aid standing crops, recent reports suggest that the issue is being politicised at the expense of the farmers’ well-being. The Bharatiya Janata Party’s stand in Karnataka, with its demand not to release water, is in stark contrast with the party’s national agenda, revealing a dissonance that is detrimental to the nation’s unity. Such positions only perpetuate inter-State animosity.
Water is a fundamental right and should not be used as a bargaining chip in political rivalries. Both States deserve an equitable share, as dictated by the Supreme Court of India.
