'Govt failed to uphold state's interest in Cauvery row'

Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda said the state government has utterly failed to uphold the interest of the state in Cauvery river water issue.

Speaking to mediapersons after offering prayers to Goddess Mookambika with his wife Channamma at the Mookambika at Kollur, he said he is not into any sort of selfishness as he is actively taking part in the protest and trying to sort out the Cauvery water dispute.

Gowda said he has involved himself in the struggle from 1964. “I would always fight for justice and stand by the interest of the state. The state government should be clear on the current scenario in the river basin. Simultaneously, it should convey the message to the court briefing the probable crisis, if the water is released to Tamil Nadu,” he added.

He said the Tamil Nadu government—whether it is AIADMK-led or DMK-led government—has taken utmost advantage by supporting the ruling party at the Centre and thereby gaining the political mileage.

“The Central government had a major setback when I started hunger strike opposing the formation of Cauvery Management Board. When I was the prime minister, I had sort out the problems like Narmada river water dispute and Bangladesh border issue through talks,” he claimed.

Gowda said the negotiation at this level with regard to Mahadayi river dispute is not possible. But the concerned parties should hold talks to look into the possibilities of a favourable outcome, he observed.

He regretted that the Union government is publicising the surgical strikes for publicity. It is very painful. The interest of the country comes first and  self-promotion comes next. Surgical strikes should not be the issue of publicity, he remarked.

Gowda said he is concentrating on strengthening the party right from the grassroots level and he would tour the state and indulge in the reformation of the party.

He said the regional parties do play a very important role in the politics of the country as well as the state.
DH News Service

Helicopter lands in Mangaluru
Following the inclement weather, the helicopter in which former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda was travelling, could not land at Mysuru and instead, it landed in Mangaluru International Airport on Friday.

Later, he travelled in a flight from Mangaluru to Bengaluru. Gowda visited Kollur Mookambika Temple on Friday and offered special prayers. After the Darshan of the deity, he left for Mysuru. As the helicopter could not land, it returned to Mangaluru, according to officials in the airport.