Mandya: Karnataka Chief Minister S M Krishna on October 12 pleaded to the Supreme
Court, which has issued the second contempt notice to him on the Cauvery issue, to
take note of the South-West monsoon, which is active in parts of Tamil Nadu ensuring
more water inflows into their reservoir.
Expressing joy over the rains that have been lashing parts of Karnataka also,
Krishna told at Srinivasapura before proceeding to Mandya as part of his 'pada
yatra' on Cauvery issue, that rains have increased inflows and this would solve
water problem in both states.
"We are humbly looking for more rains," Krishna, who would address a public rally,
marking the culmination of his march, later on October 12, said.
On the second notice issued by the apex court on October 11 on a petition filed by
Tamil Nadu for "wilfully disobeying" its order in not releasing water to the
neighbouring state, he said, "the Supreme Court has been the custodian of all
fundamental rights and other privileges all of us are enjoying.
"We bow down our head to the Supreme Court directive issued and that has been amply
reflected in the affidavit already filed (in response to the earlier contempt
petition)," Krishna said.
Krishna said his 'pada yatra' had succeeded in lessening tension that had built up
over the Cauvery water issue in Mandya and Mysore districts. He said through the
march, he wanted to send a message of peace and tolerance and restore
normalcy "through this humble effort".
Apparently referring to the tough postures of Tamil Nadu on water release, he said
everyone should understand the vagaries of nature, the fundamentals of irrigation
and agriculture.
Both states had to face distress because of failure of rains and "with rain god
smiling, the situation would ease", he said.
Krishna brushed aside the vociferous opposition to his 'yatra' by the Opposition
parties saying, "politics is the last thing that I had spoken throughout the march
and I have forgotten it altogether".
"As of now, I am acting like a 'swayamdhoota' trying to spread the message of peace
and tolerance," he said.
Krishna, who has trekked 104 kms as part of the 'pada yatra', was welcomed by
thousands of farmers and party workers, despite drizzle, all along the route. After
addressing the rally at Mandya.
PTI
