Govt on mat over governor's address on Cauvery projects

The combined Opposition in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday pressured the ruling Congress to amend the Governor’s address to the State legislature made on Monday, on the grounds that the announcement made on the Cauvery basin projects would be against the interests of Karnataka.

Raising the matter, Leader of the Opposition H D Kumaraswamy referred to the governor’s statement which read, “The long-pending extension, renovation and modernisation projects of the Cauvery basin will be taken up for approval of the Government of India, in conformity with the Cauvery Award.”  He argued that when the State had already filed special leave petitions (SLPs) questioning the award of the Tribunal, the question of accepting the award or taking permission of the Centre did not arise.

Supporting him, KJP leader B S Yeddyurappa said the government must not stand on prestige to rectify the mistake.

Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T B Jayachandra tried to defend the government on technical grounds.

He said when the government replies to the discussion on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address, it would explain its stand. 

With the treasury benchers arguing that a ‘fitting reply’ would be given while replying to the discussion, the Opposition members left the House.