Modi can’t mediate now: Karnataka BJP

It was an attempt by the state government to divert people’s attention from its “failure” on the matter, state BJP President B S Yeddyurappa charged. “At this juncture, Prime Minister cannot intervene... We have to try to get justice through courts,” he told reporters here. He said: “During the all-party meeting, Mohan Kataraki (senior counsel) had very clearly, in the presence of the Chief Minister and other Congress leaders, said it was not possible for the Prime Minister or the central government to intervene as the issue is before the Supreme Court.” Flagging the “extreme unrest” in Karnataka over the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had on Sept 9 dashed off a missive requesting Modi to call forthwith “on a few hours notice” a meeting of Chief Ministers of the two states to end the impasse. After violent protest in the city following the apex court’s amended order directing Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu till September 20, Siddramaih had on Tuesday sought for an immediate appointment with the Prime Minister, a response to which is still awaited.