Bengaluru:
The Cauvery water-sharing dispute has flared up once again in Karnataka, with protests breaking out across the state against the Cauvery Water Management Authority’s (CWMA) order directing the release of water to neighbouring Tamil Nadu. Amid the tense backdrop, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has asked his Tamil Nadu counterpart, Joseph Vijay, to postpone his planned visit to Bengaluru, originally scheduled for Monday, August 3.
Why the Visit Is Being Deferred
Addressing a joint press conference at Vidhana Soudha alongside Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara and Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy, Shivakumar said he had spoken to Vijay directly and urged him to defer the visit given the prevailing situation in Karnataka. “Chief Minister Vijay informed us that he intends to visit Bengaluru on August 3 along with a delegation of five to six ministers. However, given the current circumstances, if I invite him and someone raises slogans or stages protests against him, I do not think it would be appropriate,” Shivakumar said.
A Long-Pending Meeting
Shivakumar noted that he had earlier sought a meeting with former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, which did not materialise before elections led to a change in government in Tamil Nadu. Joseph Vijay, who became Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister after the state elections, had since expressed willingness to visit Bengaluru with a delegation of ministers. Shivakumar expressed hope that ongoing rainfall in Karnataka would improve reservoir inflows and help create a more conducive environment for talks on the Cauvery issue in the future.
Pro-Kannada Groups Call for Bandh on August 13
Meanwhile, pro-Kannada organisations, meeting in Bengaluru to discuss the future course of the Cauvery agitation, announced a state-wide bandh for August 13 to protest the water release. The meeting was attended by leaders including activist Vatal Nagaraj, along with factions of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike. Activists alleged that water was being released to Tamil Nadu due to the state government’s mishandling of the situation and warned that if Vijay were to arrive in Bengaluru on August 3, they would lay siege to the airport. The proposed bandh is expected to disrupt transport, commercial establishments, schools and colleges, and government offices across the state.
Background: The CWMA Order
The dispute follows a CWMA directive ordering Karnataka to release 4.5 TMC of water to Tamil Nadu, which triggered widespread protests in Karnataka amid concerns over the state’s own water availability. Karnataka had earlier deferred compliance with the order and called an all-party meeting to discuss its response.
Note: This report is based on statements from Karnataka government officials and details available at the time of publication. The situation continues to evolve.
