K'taka CM opts to quit rather release Cauvery water to TN

Malavalli, Karnataka, Apr 6 (UNI) Denouncing the final verdict of the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal (CWDT) as grave injustice done to the people of the State, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today announced that he would rather choose to quit his post (Chief Ministership) than release water to Tamil Nadu in the eventuality of distress situation.

Addressing newsmen here, after a overnight stay at a residence of a farm labourer in Honaganahalli village in the Taluk in Mandya District, the Chief Minister said that his government has taken all measures to protect the interests of the farmers of the Cauvery delta region.

Assuring the State farmers of not depriving their share of water, the Chief Minister said that he would not succumb to any pressure from the Union government on the issue. ''If situation arises to release water on the basis of the final verdict of the CWDT I would stand with the State farmers'', he added.

He said that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi was inclined to hold talks with the Karnataka to solve the problem amicably, however political compulsions in his state had forced him to take different stand and has backed out.

Referring on going two-month-old agitation by farmers and various organisations in the Cauvery delta region, the Chief Minister complemented for maintaining peace during their agitation.

UNI