New Delhi, Sept 21: A meeting of all political parties of Karnataka began here today even as Chief Minister S M Krishna and others plan to meet the Prime Minister to put forth his state`s views on the Cauvery water issue. Krishna, who convened the meeting to discuss the Centre`s direction to release 0.8 tmc ft of water to Tamil Nadu, told reporters that he would like to meet the Prime Minister.
Describing the Cauvery crisis as the "Worst ever faced by the state in the last 30 years", he said the state had complied with the Supreme Court`s directions and any drawbacks in release of water could be explained. About suicide by a farmer in protest against release of water, he said this was a "human problem" which could not have "mechanical solutions".


Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee yesterday asked Karnataka to lift the suspension of the release of the water to Tamil Nadu.


Karnataka deferred a response saying a decision would be taken after a meeting of all parties in Delhi tomorrow.


Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa is also expected to lead a delegation to present her state`s case before the Prime Minister.

Bureau Report