Janata Dal (Secular) national president H D Deve Gowda expressed unhappiness over the Supreme Court’s verdict directing the state government to release 4 tmcft of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.

Speaking to reporters at Arkalgud in the district, he said the Supreme Court, which had earlier set a deadline for constituting the Cauvery Water Management Board, was expected to come out with a favourable verdict on Thursday. But, it has directed Karnataka to release 4 tmcft of water. “When there is no drinking water for cities like Bengaluru and the region is facing water shortage, how is it possible to release water to the neighbouring Tamil Nadu?” he questioned.

“I will speak about the issue after collecting the details on the availability of water in all the reservoirs in the Cauvery basin. When there is no sufficient water for drinking, the government should think how it can follow the order,” he said.

Reacting to the statements of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who had demanded him to clarify which side he is --- whether he supports BJP or Congress ideologies --- Gowda said, “Rahul is still young. Why should he be bothered about me when Siddaramaiah, who has spoken arrogantly about me, can win 120 seats?”

“It is impossible for the Congress to win 120 seats. If the party is capable of winning 115 seats, why should they speak about me and my party”, he criticised.

“The people should wait and watch to know whether Deve Gowda’s power is 48 or 112 seats. It is certain for the JD(S) to come to power?” he said.