Vijay Defers Visit Amid Cauvery Protests
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has postponed his scheduled Bengaluru visit after Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar sought more time amid escalating protests over the Cauvery water-sharing dispute.
Vijay Postpones Bengaluru Cauvery Visit
Vijay was expected to visit Bengaluru on August 3 for discussions aimed at resolving the renewed dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over Cauvery water releases. However, widespread protests by farmers and Kannada organisations prompted Shivakumar to request a postponement.
Shivakumar welcomed Vijay’s decision and described him as a courageous leader. He said the meeting should take place in a cordial atmosphere without protests or hostility directed at the visiting Tamil Nadu delegation.
Karnataka Protests Cauvery Water Release
Tensions intensified after the Cauvery Water Management Authority upheld a direction requiring Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days.
Farmers and political groups opposed the order, arguing that Karnataka’s reservoirs lacked sufficient water because of a severe rainfall deficit. Protests were particularly intense in Mandya, while calls were also made for a statewide bandh.
Some demonstrators tore posters of Vijay’s film Jananayagan and reportedly forced theatres in certain locations to suspend screenings. Shivakumar appealed to political parties and Kannada organisations not to proceed with a bandh.
Karnataka Cites Severe Rainfall Deficit
Shivakumar said Karnataka had received only about 35% of its normal rainfall during the season. Against an expected Cauvery release of nearly 40 TMC by July, the State had released approximately 3.6 TMC.
He said limited downstream releases became necessary after reservoir inflows improved and dam safety considerations emerged. Karnataka maintained that canal releases were intended to replenish lakes and tanks for drinking water rather than irrigation. Both governments are expected to continue discussions over a distress-sharing formula.
