The diversion of Mhadei river water has become a major poll issue in Karnataka Assembly elections, with every political party in its manifestos assuring the electorate of water diversion to meet the drinking water needs of parched areas of Hubbali-Dharwad and surrounding areas. Following a visit on the ground, VITHALDAS HEGDE finds that Karnataka is playing a malicious game of deception in the Mhadei water diversion issue. However, there are some politicians and common people, who are opposed to the diversion of Mhadei river by the Karnataka government