THE Cauvery is a swirling torrent this year too, but the bounty may not suffice to quench the thirst of political parties which hanker after power. Unlike other years when the crisis rocked the southern neighboursKarnataka and Tamil Nadumainly due to poor rainfall, this year the crisis has less to do with water and more to do with competitive chauvinism. But that hasnt prevented the issue from threatening to become a flashpoint between the Vajpayee government and its ally in Chennai. And for the BJP, the situation is all the more piquant because it is, quite literally, Hobsons choice for them.