CM to discuss Cauvery with lawyers, Union Ministers in Delhi

The visit assumes significance as this contempt plea would come up for hearing before the first bench of the apex court on Thursday. The court has also directed the Centre to submit a draft scheme to implement its final orders before Thursday. 

Sources said that the CM has formally sought time from the Prime Minister’s office for a meeting in person to apprise of the state’s stand and to explain in detail the verdict providing for setting up of the Cauvery Management Board (CMB) and Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC). 

“So far, we have not got any confirmation from the PM’s office for a personal meeting. The CM might meet other union ministers, who are available after the scheduled evening meet of the National Council,” a senior official said. 

They said that the CM, who would leave for Delhi early on Wednesday morning, is likely to meet senior counsels representing the state in the contempt plea before the SC. 

During the meeting, the CM would be apprised of the possible outcomes of the contempt plea and the arguments which would be advanced by the state to insist the formation of the CMB and CWRC. Meanwhile, a delegation of officials, including PWD officials and Cauvery Technical Committee, would attend Central Water Commission meeting on Wednesday and the meeting’s purview would be the dispute between Tamil Nadu and Kerala. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who heads the National Council for the anniversary celebrations, has written to all Chief Ministers to evolve and finalise ideas for programmes to be held to commemorate the event.