All-party meeting on Cauvery on Feb 22: Kumaraswamy

Bangalore, Feb 15 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today announced that an all-party meeting will be convened on February 22 to discuss the future course of action in the wake of the Cauvery Water Tribunal's final verdict on sharing of the river water among the riparian States.

Mr Kumaraswamy, on his return from New Delhi this afternoon, told newspersons here that he had met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh yesterday and discussed the prevailing drought situation in the State. The Cauvery issue did not figure in the meet, he said, adding that he had sought an appointment with the Prime Minister to enable all party leaders from the State to meet him to discuss the issue.

He said the Centre had released Rs 74 crore and 50,000 tonnes of foodgrains to tackle drought in the State. He had also discussed various proposals pending with various ministries such as railways, energy, housing and industry.

Newly appointed Special Representative in New Delhi Mahima Patel also accompanied the Chief Minister during his visit.

An all-party meeting convened by the Government, earlier, on the issue had to be postponed in view of the death of a Legislator.

UNI