Poojary offers 'urulu seve' seeking divine intervention in Cauvery dispute

Manglauru, Sep 18: Former Union minister B Janardhana Poojary, who had recently advised the Karnataka government to violate the Supreme Court directive in Cauvery case and stop releasing water to Tamil Nadu, on Sunday offered Urulu Seve' at Sri Gokarnanatheshwara Temple, Kudroli here, seeking divine intervention in the century old dispute.

79-year-old Poojary, who is being sidelined by both Dakshina Kannada District Congress Committee and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee in recent days over his anti-Siddaramaiah rhetoric, rolled over the temple floor alone. Even though some of the party men and priests were present on the occasion none of them performed the Urulu Seve'.

While announcing his decision to perform the Urulu Seve' in a press meet in the city a couple of days ago, Mr Poojary had invited Karnataka chief minister to join the ritual. However, the latter has not responded to the invitation.

“I have sought divine blessings so that the court order is in favour of Karnataka. I also have prayed for the well-being of people of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Let the court order not create any untoward incidents in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu," Mr Poojary told media persons after performing Urulu Seve'. The apex court is expected to take up the issue on September 20.

"The Supreme Court bench in its interim order has asked Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs on a daily basis till September 20. We all should pray for a favourable order this time,” he said.

Mr Poojary also called upon the chief minister to personally gather facts related to the Cauvery water row and share the same with the legal experts. "There are sufficient documents to present before the court. Let the chief minister work to collect documents," he added.