Bengaluru, DHNS: Nariman's offer to release 10,000 cusecs proved detrimental: Shettar. The BJP on Monday launched a scathing attack on the state legal team’s handling of the Cauvery issue, stating that it had failed to convince the Supreme Court about the distress situation in the river basin.

In the Legislative Assembly, BJP leader Jagadish Shettar said the offer by Fali S Nariman, the head of the state’s legal team, before the Supreme Court that Karnataka was ready to release 10,000 cusecs of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu had set the basis for the Apex Court to direct further release of water in its various orders.

He said Nariman, by deciding not to argue before the court as the state government had not complied with its order, had proved detrimental to the state’s interest.
“Instead of arguing before the court why we are not in a position to comply with its order, our legal team remained silent”, he said.

‘Miserably failed’
Shettar said the legal team had miserably failed to convince the court that it had no jurisdiction to order the constitution of the Cauvery Management Board.

“Is Nariman god? I had told you not to trust him. But you never listened. You told us not to question him”.

Leader of the Opposition in the Council K S Eshwarappa said, “You (government) advise us not to criticise courts and judges. Injustice is being done to Karnataka. If we comment against Nariman, you act as though we are criticising God. Have we not paid Rs 76 crore to the counsel to fight our case? Still we are not allowed to comment.”

Continuing his tirade, the BJP leader said despite paying hefty fees to the counsel, water continues to flow to Tamil Nadu. On top of it, Nariman has recused himself from appearing before the court.

“Should we continue with him? He is not the only legal expert. Let us nurture some young legal expert,” he added.

He said it looks like the Karnataka legal team erred in its arguments. “How one can expect water to be released even when there is no water,” he asked. However, JD(S) leader Kumaraswamy suggested that the government should continue the Nariman team and legal experts such as Uday Holla could be included in the panel.