CM tells Cong legislators from Bengaluru to take steps to check violence

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday directed Congress legislators in Bengaluru to take necessary measures to prevent violence in the name of protests over the Cauvery issue.

Siddaramaiah, who held a meeting with the party legislators, asked the law-makers to hold peace meetings in their constituencies, if necessary, and ensure that people do not resort to violence. Efforts should also be made to educate people on measures taken by the government to protect the interest of the state on the Cauvery issue, he told the legislators.

The ruling Congress has decided to deal sternly with those who try to take law into their hands, in the wake of wide-spread arson and violence in Bengaluru and other parts of the state on the Cauvery issue. Senior Congress leaders on Tuesday had advised Siddaramaiah not to give an opportunity to the Centre to impose President’s rule in the state citing the law and order problem. 

Further, the Chief Minister told the legislators that Bengaluru is a cosmopolitan city. Bengaluru is a hub of Information and Technology development. Riots and violent protests should dent its image. The police have been directed to take all necessary measures to ensure law and order, he added.

Siddaramaiah also briefed the legislators on the circumstances that forced the government to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.

All the ministers from Bengaluru, including Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy and Agriculture Minister Krishna Byre Gowda and KPCC working president Dinesh Gundu Rao and MLC Jayamala attended the meeting.