Cauvery: Congress stages walkout against lawyers' remarks

Bangalore, Feb 7 (UNI) The Opposition Congress today staged a walkout in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, demanding a reply from Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on the issue of ''adverse statements'' made by lawyers representing the State in the Cauvery water dispute.

Leader of the Opposition N Dharam Singh, after a long discussion on the controversial statements by lawyers that the final award delivered by the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal was favourable to the State, demanded clarification from the Chief Minister as to how they had made such confusing statements against the interests of the State without consulting the Government.

When Water Resources Minister K Eshwarappa rose to reply, Mr Singh said it was an inter-State issue and only the Chief Minister should give a reply on behalf of the Government. He wanted to know whether the lawyers consulted the Government before making such statements as the Government proposed to file a Review Petition before the Tribunal.

When the lawyers have made ''adverse'' statements, it was meaningless to hold an all-party meeting to discuss the fallout of the award and chalk out the future course of action, he opined.

Former Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah (Cong) took the Government to task for failing to instruct the advocates about the Government's stand and for not denying the statements.

In all, 13 members took part in the discussion and demanded the lawyers to withdraw their statements.

Dissatisfied with the Government's reply, the Congress members staged a walk out, after which Speaker Krishna adjourned the House for lunch break.

UNI