Kathmandu— Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar addressed an all-party meeting on Sunday, stressing that the interests of the state’s farmers and residents are paramount, even above politics. He reiterated Karnataka's stance on prioritizing drinking water needs in the ongoing Cauvery water dispute, which involves multiple states.

Historical Context of the Dispute

The Cauvery water issue is not new to Karnataka or its neighboring states. Chief Minister Shivakumar highlighted that the state has a history of setting aside political differences in favor of unity when it comes to protecting its interests. He noted that the dispute has been an integral part of life for people in the region, emphasizing the long-standing nature of the conflict.

Karnataka's Position on Water Prioritization

Shivakumar reaffirmed Karnataka’s consistent position that drinking water should be given top priority. He expressed confidence that all parties present agreed with this stance, underscoring the state’s commitment to securing adequate water resources for its population.

Ahead of meetings with the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) and the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), Shivakumar met with Union Ministers CR Patil, Pralhad Joshi, and V Somanna, as well as former Chief Ministers Basavaraj Bommai and Jagadish Shettar. He thanked them for raising Karnataka’s concerns at the central level.

All-Party Unity in Support of Karnataka

At a meeting of Members of Parliament (MPs) in New Delhi, Shivakumar reported that MPs from various political parties had assured him of their support to safeguard Karnataka's interests. The all-party meeting held at his Home Office 'Krishna' in Bengaluru was attended by former Chief Ministers M Veerappa Moily, Siddaramaiah, B S Yediyurappa, H D Kumaraswamy, and others. Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, Union Ministers V Somanna and Shobha Karandlaje, and other senior leaders also participated in the discussion.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.