Kannada film stars join Cauvery fray

Bangalore, Feb 7 (IANS) Angry over the final award of a tribunal on the inter-state sharing of the Cauvery waters, Kannada film stars and the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce have come out in support the statewide shutdown Monday.

The chamber has decided to take out a rally to protest the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal judgement of Monday to allocate the largest share of the river's water to neighbouring Tamil Nadu at 419 thousand million cubic (TMC) feet while giving Karnataka 270 TMC.

The final verdict in the over a century old dispute between the riparian states has led to widespread protests in Karnataka and a call has been given for a statewide shutdown Monday.

Sa.Ra. Govindoo, vice-president of the chamber, said that Parvathamma Raj Kumar and Vishnuvardhan would lead the rally "against the injustice done to Karnataka".

Said veteran actor Vishnuvardhan: "We have to use every option to secure our rights. We film stars are prepared to fight for getting justice to our farmers."

"The leaders can employ me in whatever way they deem fit."

He, however, appealed Kannada film buffs to "show self-control and join the protest in a peaceful way".

Actor Devaraj echoed the same sentiments and said: "It is time for political parties and all organisations in the state to unite and fight."

Actor-producer Dwarakish felt that the judgement was completely biased.

"It is evident that a lot of pressure has been applied by the Tamil Nadu government and its political leaders to get a verdict in their favour," he alleged.

Veteran character actor M.P. Shankar and award-winning director Nagabharana urged those in the film and television industry of the state to unite and "join the fight against injustice".