Politicians, farmers slam Centre's new stand on Cauvery Management Board

The BJP-led government has one eye on votes in the upcoming Karnataka elections, allege political parties

Political parties and farmers' organisations in Tamil Nadu have raised their protest over the Central Government's change of opinion on the formation of Cauvery Management Board (CMB).

The Central Government, through Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, made a submission before the Supreme Court on Monday that the Court does not have the power to direct the government to constitute the Board.

According to reports, the Central Government in a hearing on September 30, agreed that it would form the Board within a stipulated time frame. However, reports from Delhi on Monday stated that the Attorney General has mentioned that it was by mistake that such a commitment was made.

Political parties in Tamil Nadu alleged that the Centre's 'u-turn' in the issue is politically motivated and that the ruling alliance is eyeing the elections in Karnataka. The State Assembly elections in Karnataka are scheduled to take place in 2018.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam President M Karunanidhi, alleged in a statement that the Centre had taken the one-sided decision favouring Karnataka, and that the ruling alliance was eyeing the general elections in Karnataka since it has lost the election in Tamil Nadu.

He urged all political parties in Tamil Nadu to come forward to protest against the Centre's decision and said the state government has to summon a special assembly meeting and discuss the issues with members from all parties.

The BJP-led government at the Centre is opposing the formation of the Cauvery Management Board now to win votes in the election in Karnataka, said a spokesperson from All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), which is ruling the State.

G K Vasan, former Union Minister for Shipping and leader of Tamil Manila Congress (TMC) alleged that both the major parties in centre, the Congress and the BJP, are targeting the election and are trying to act in tune with the sentiments in Karnataka.

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader S Ramadoss said that the Central Government's argument that it has to get consent from the Parliament for the formation of CMB is not acceptable and there is no precedence of getting clearance for setting up such a Board.

The leaders of various farmers' organisations in Tamil Nadu also echoed the view and said that centre should act without taking sides.