Kumaraswamy distances himself from State lawyers' remarks

Bangalore, Feb 7 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today informed the Legislative Assembly that the opinion expressed by the lawyers, representing the State before the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal, that the Tribunal award was favourable to the State was not the official stand of the State Government.

Replying to a discussion on the issue raised by the Opposition Congress, he said he had made it clear inmmediately after the pronouncement of the verdict that the Government would make its stand public only after perusing the full report of the final award and consulting all the parties.

Stating that there was no need to drag the issue any further, Mr Kumaraswamy said the Government's stand remained the same and there was no change in it. He urged the members to be united and express solidarity with the Government in fighting the issue concerning the farmers of the State and not indulge in politics.

Earlier, the Congress staged a walkout in the House, demanding a reply from the Chief Minister on the issue.

Leader of the Opposition N Dharam Singh demanded a clarification from the Chief Minister as to how the lawyers 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.

Dissatisfied with the Government's reply, the Congress members staged a walk out.

UNI