CM to hold state MPs’ meet in Delhi on July 18

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy has convened the meeting of Karnataka MPs here on July 18 to discuss the state-related issues, including Cauvery water sharing dispute.

“In the meeting chief minister will discuss the Cauvery water dispute and state’s pending projects at the Government of India and seek the MPs’ help to address these issues,” said sources.

Since monsoon session of Parliament begins on July 18, the state government decided to hold the meeting of the MPs the same day expecting most of the lawmakers would be in the national capital, said an official source.

Previous chief minister Siddaramaiah had faced wrath of MPs many times for holding meeting at the fag end of Parliament session.

Kumaraswamy is likely to request the MPs to take up Karnataka’s concerns with the Centre on Cauvery Water Management Authority.

The chief minister had earlier written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that the Authority has sweeping powers including deciding cropping pattern in the Cauvery basin areas and regulating release of water to irrigation canals. Any unhindered power of the Authority would hurt the interest of Karnataka, Kumaraswamy said in his letter.