Bengaluru, May 22 (IANS): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar courted controversy on Wednesday by stating, "Let the water flow to Tamil Nadu from Karnataka."

Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar elaborated, "I hope there will be good rainfall. It will be good for us if it rains heavily. Let there be heavy rainfall, and let the water flow to Tamil Nadu also."

His statement, made close on the heels of the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) ordering the state government to release 2.5 TMC of water to Tamil Nadu just as the state started receiving rainfall, is likely to draw criticism from the Opposition.

Shivakumar stated, “Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and I are conducting the rounds of the city to give necessary directions to the officers regarding preventive measures to be initiated during the rainy season. We will also visit areas affected by heavy rains. The places have been chosen based on reports and these measures are being taken to keep the authorities on their toes.”