Cauvery: Govt to consult Deve Gowda, ex-ministers

Water Resources Minister D K Shivakumar said on Monday that the government would consult former prime minister H D Deve Gowda and former ministers, who held the Water Resources portfolio, on taking the next step over the Cauvery River water-sharing dispute.

“I’ve started talking to them one by one on the issue,” Shivakumar said. The minister said he would reach out to BJP’s Basavaraj Bommai, and Congress’ M B Patil and H K Patil - all former water resources ministers.

The state government has registered its protest against the formation of the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA). “We have placed our stand. If we have water, can we say no (to share)? But I’ll discuss the outcome and our stand will be informed,” Shivakumar said.