Cauvery protestors, who continue to be angry with the political class, on Saturday forced Cauvery Hita Rakshana Samiti chairman G. Madegowda to reject former chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa’s plea to join the agitation in Mandya. Mr. Yeddyurappa had written a letter to Mr Madegowda asking his permission to take part in the hunger strike for a day. But when the letter was read out by Mr Madegowda on Saturday morning, angry protestors rejected the offer, and said Mr Yeddyurappa should not be given a chance to politicise the Cauvery issue.
The vehement protests stopped Mr Madegowda from even attempting to convince the agitators and agreed to honour their sentiments. When Mr Yeddyurappa called Mr. Madegowda for feedback, Mr. Madegowda politely conveyed the message from the agitators and advised him not to step into Mandya.
Mr. Madegowda told Deccan Chronicle that public anger is understandable, but the agitation at this stage needs the support of everyone. “I back people’s sentiments. The political class has betrayed and compromised the interests of farmers in the Cauvery basin. Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar has gone back on his promise and released water to Tamil Nadu in the night like a coward. Union ministers from the state have failed to convince the Prime Minister on the prevailing situation in the state. Every political party has failed and the people are angry.”
Even Opposition Leader in the Assembly Siddaramaiah, who is considered a mass leader in the Cauvery basin districts, was jeered and humiliated by angry crowds when he visited Mandya on Thursday. Earlier, Mandya JD(S) MP N. Cheluvarayaswamy and other JD(S) legislators tasted the fury of Cauvery protestors at KRS. Mr. Madegowda’s son Mr Madhu Madegowda said political leaders should participate in the agitation like the common people.