Armed with consensus from major political parties and a unanimous resolution of the state legislature, Karnataka may again choose to defy the Supreme Court's latest directive to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.
A senior minister, who was privy to the meeting between Siddaramaiah, officials and the legal team in New Delhi to discuss the the directive on Friday , said: "If Karnataka defies the court order, he can be hauled up for contempt, but Siddaramaiah can still take cover, saying it was not his decision but that of the state legislature. If he decides to release water, he may have to face a privilege motion from legislature and in case he decides not to release water, he may face contempt,'' he said.
Sources said Siddaramaiah will take a final decision after the all-party meeting on Saturday. Many in the Congress feel defying the court will help the party not only in the Cauvery districts, but also across the state as it will help revive Siddaramaiah's image.
A senior minister, who was privy to the meeting between Siddaramaiah, officials and the legal team in New Delhi to discuss the the directive on Friday , said: "If Karnataka defies the court order, he can be hauled up for contempt, but Siddaramaiah can still take cover, saying it was not his decision but that of the state legislature. If he decides to release water, he may have to face a privilege motion from legislature and in case he decides not to release water, he may face contempt,'' he said.
Sources said Siddaramaiah will take a final decision after the all-party meeting on Saturday. Many in the Congress feel defying the court will help the party not only in the Cauvery districts, but also across the state as it will help revive Siddaramaiah's image.