Troubled waters

 

 

The people of Karnataka overwhelmingly responded against the 'unjust' verdict of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal. From religious leaders to film stars, everybody jumped on the bandwagon. But, the State’s political class has not risen to the occasion. A 'realistic and pragmatic' strategy, beyond filing a review petition, is nowhere in sight. Instead, political one-upmanship was on display.

JD(U) leader B. Somashekar pointed out, "Why is the JD(S)-BJP coalition government failing to take a decision?"

“Now the government wants consultation, wants others to tell what it should do... on all other important issues such as the proposed abolition of arrack or waiver of farm loans, the Government had not cared to consult the Opposition,” he said.

Given the emotional populism that grips the State, statements were flowing even before studying the verdict. The resignations of Karnataka MPs and Union Ministers were sought without caring for their usefulness.

The state government wants others to tell what it should do

Actor turned Congress politician, Ambareesh, too, had put in his papers – both as the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting in the UPA government as well as MP representing Mandya Lok Sabha seat, the epicentre of farmer agitation against the verdict. Even though the resignation faxed was technically flawed, he had made his point: “”I’m not interested in power,” he said in Bengalooru. Chief Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy, responded with an announcement that he would lead an all party delegation to New Delhi, seeking Prime Minister’s intervention in securing justice. He also decided to convene an all-party meet on 22 February to formulate the future strategy. He also talkied about convening a meeting of stakeholders to discuss the issue.

The need of the hour is for the political class to respond to the stand taken by the people, in concrete terms without indulging in petty party politics or adopting populist measures that ignite people's passions.