Kumaraswamy confident of favourable Cauvery verdict

Mysore, Feb 3 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today exuded confidence that the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal, scheduled to be pronounced on February 5, would be in favour of the State.

Speaking to newspersons here, he said the State Government had represented the State's case before the Tribunal effectively.

Yesterday's all-party meeting in Bangalore on the matter resolved unanimously to maintain peace in the State after the verdict was pronounced. Such a meeting would also be held a day after the judgement to analyse the award with the help of experts, he added.

Mr Kumaraswamy said necessary steps have been taken by the Government to maintain law and order to prevent a repeat of the unsavoury events in the State in 1992, when the interim award was announced.

Referring to the ban on arrack in the State, he said there was no question of going back on the issue.

He said a final decision on withdrawing the order, making helmets compulsory for two-wheeler riders, would be taken at the next Cabinet meeting after ascertaining public opinion.

Earlier, the Chief Minister offered special pooja at the Chamundeswari temple atop Chamundi Hills on the occasion of completing one year in office.

UNI