Bengaluru, Apr 5 (UNI) Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Saturday hit out at the Congress government in Karnataka, asking Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar to first obtain consent from their political ally, the DMK government in Tamil Nadu, before questioning the Centre on the Mekedatu project.

"D K Shivakumar is asking me to fulfil my campaign promise of getting Central approval for Mekedatu in five minutes. But before that, he must do something, get approval from his ally's government in Tamil Nadu. Then he can talk about us," Kumaraswamy said, speaking at a seminar on "Sharing of Cauvery River Water" organised by the Cauvery River Protection Committee at Kuvempu Kalakshetra here.

Criticising the Congress for what he termed a "dual stand" on the Mekedatu issue, Kumaraswamy said, "On one hand they claim 'our water is our right' during padayatras, and on the other, they maintain political alliances with those opposing the very project."

He said Karnataka continues to face injustice in the sharing of Cauvery waters, adding, "We are building dams using our own tax money and releasing water to Tamil Nadu. In effect, we Kannadigas have become water carriers."

Emphasising the need for unity, Kumaraswamy said, "Whenever Cauvery is debated in Parliament, Tamil Nadu MPs unite regardless of party. In our state, we divide ourselves on the basis of caste, politics, and personal rivalries, that is our biggest weakness."

He said Bengaluru’s growing water needs make the Mekedatu project critical. "The day is not far when even releasing all water from the KRS dam won’t suffice for Bengaluru’s drinking water needs. We started the Mekedatu project with this foresight," he said.

Recalling his campaign in Mandya, Kumaraswamy noted, "I had promised the people that I would get the Centre’s approval for Mekedatu within five minutes. I stand by my words. But first, the Congress must settle its contradictions."

Referring to an earlier incident, he said, "A former Karnataka CM once told Tamil Nadu CM Kamaraj, 'We will give you as much Cauvery water as you want, just grow paddy for us.' That generosity is now hurting us."

He credited his father, former PM H D Deve Gowda, for opposing such views and fighting for justice. "It was his struggle that led to the construction of Kabini, Harangi, and Hemavati reservoirs. He also contributed immensely to Krishna basin projects and worked for North Karnataka as Prime Minister," he said.

Kumaraswamy added, "My father told me many times that justice for Karnataka’s irrigation will come only through me. I have unwavering faith in God and believe my dream will come true."

Spiritual leaders, including Sri Sri Sri Dr Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji of Adichunchanagiri Math, Sri Soumya Natha Swamiji, Sri Siddarameshwara Swamiji and Sri Nishchalanandanatha Swamiji were present at the event.

Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka, former Supreme Court Judge V Gopala Gowda, MP Dr CN Manjunath, former IAS officer T Thimmegowda, former MLC K A Tippeswamy, Cauvery River Protection Committee President H K Ramu, and Permanent Irrigation Struggle Committee President R Anjaneya Reddy also attended.

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