Bengaluru: Senior actor-turned-politician Ambareesh on Wednesday offered an apology to the people of the state for not participating in the ongoing Cauvery water dispute row.

Speaking to media at his Puttenahalli residence, Ambareesh said that the non participation is duly personal and nothing to do with any sort of political game. “Kannadigas are broad minded and big hearted people and I apologize for not participating in the ongoing agitation over the Cauvery row,” he added.

He vaguely cited his ill health and personal reasons behind his unavailability during the agitation.

Meanwhile, he also said that no question arises to release water to Tamil Nadu for standing crops there sacrificing the drinking water for the people back home. Drinking water comes first according to national policy as well as international UN understanding, Ambareesh said.