Poll performance: Leaders wish BJP with caution

BJP leaders in Tamil Nadu too expressed confidence that Cauvery water would flow in the state if the BJP took over the reins in the neighbouring state. Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam deputy general secretary TTV Dhinakaran said “Whatever government takes over in Karnataka, our request is to release Cauvery water. It seems the BJP will form the government. Since the same party is in power at the Centre and Karnataka, there is a moral obligation to release Cauvery water.” 

Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan said “Though, I cannot predict what will happen, I don’t see any problem for Tamil Nadu in obtaining Cauvery water in the next five years if the BJP formed the government.” 

BJP state president Tamilisai Soundararajan too sounded optimistic and said, “A BJP government in Karnataka will be beneficial to Tamil Nadu also. There will be no hindrance in the flow of Cauvery here.” 

She said the BJP chief ministers had released Cauvery water in the past and only Congress chief minister Siddharamaiah had refused to do so. She also attributed the BJP victory to the hard work of Narendra Modi and his determination to do good for the people. She also appreciated Amit Shah and BS Yeddyurappa. 

“People have shown their faith in us and the results are a set back to the Congress. When the Congress cannot hold on to a state it was ruling, they cannot win in a new state,” she said. The campaign of Rahul Gandhi did not help the Congress to win seats in Karnataka, she added. 

She also said, “A victory in Karnataka is the gateway for the party to enter South India. It will follow in other states in the region.” She also denied the use of money power by the BJP and said, “If the BJP had given money what is the need for the Prime Minister to address so many meetings?”