Is Cauvery a medium to form political alliances in Karnataka?

In the wake of the Supreme Court’s verdict on the Cauvery water issue, Karnataka witnessed riot-like situation and civic unrest which disrupted the everyday lives of the people. 

 

As a result of the Cauvery issue, the state underwent a political turmoil escalating the already existing problems. Under the pretext of protecting the interests of the state, the Congress, BJP and JD(S) seemed to have been taking calculated risks to further their political interests.

 

The party heads and the office bearers have been busy chalking out their strategies in this regard. The developments which took place on Wednesday have further confirmed the speculations about a future Congress-JD(S) alliance. 

 

The Congress has been busy making amends for the setback it suffered in the legal battle under the leadership of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

 

On the other hand, state BJP president Yeddyurappa rejected the idea of an all-party meet to discuss the Cauvery issue. The JD(S), which has been facing internal party problems from dissidents, is more worried about the upcoming mayoral elections in the BBMP. 

 

Earlier when similar situations arose, a circular or a unanimous resolution in the legislative council would solve the problem which ultimately resulted in releasing water. The present situation in Karnataka may face similar treatment like it did in the past. But the unexpected verdict from the Supreme Court has created a stressful atmosphere among all political parties in the state.

 

All-party meet turns out to be "successful"

 

In a bid to resolve the problem at hand, Siddaramaiah called for an all-party meet and also consulted legal experts for their advice. He met with the party leaders and the members of parliament to discuss the Cauvery issue.

 

However, the BJP boycotted the meeting. 

 

The Congress contacted the JD(S), which has a stronghold in the old Mysore region, and also former Prime Minister and JD(S) president HD Deve Gowda. The JD(S) leader assured help and co-operation with Siddaramaiah on the Cauvery mayhem.

 

On assuming the office of chief minister, Siddaramaiah never ventured to meet Deve Gowda, but the CM set aside all differences and met with Gowda at his Padmanabhanagar Residence in Bengaluru on Wednesday afternoon. Gowda, who is known to have never attended any all-party meetings since 1996, made his presence felt at the meeting called by Siddaramaiah on Wednesday.

 

Even Public Works Department minister Mahadevappa had a lengthy discussion with Gowda.

 

All political parties involved in analysing their checks and balances

 

Irrespective of political agendas and self-interests, the two prominent political leaders of the Congress and JD(S) came together to discuss the Cauvery crisis. That said, rumours of the political agenda behind the unusual friendship between the two opposition parties cannot be ignored.

 

With JD(S) openly supporting Congress on the Cauvery issue, it looks like Gowda has been hoping to build a strong alliance with Congress which may benefit both parties in the upcoming Bengaluru city mayorial elections.

 

Owing to these developments, the BJP had landed itself in a dilemma. If the bonhomie between Deve Gowda and Siddaramaiah continues, then the chances of BJP coming to power in the upcoming elections looks slim.

 

The Mahadayi issue in Uttara Karnataka and the on-going Cauvery issue have already added to BJP's troubles. In an attempt to make its presence felt, the party is now trying to convince PM Narendra Modi to intervene in the Cauvery issue.