Cauvery water dispute: TN CM postpones Bengaluru visit after Karnataka CM's request

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has agreed to postpone his scheduled visit to Bengaluru, a trip aimed at discussing the contentious Cauvery water-sharing dispute. The request for postponement came from Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who cited the charged atmosphere in his state due to farmer protests against the directive to release water to Tamil Nadu.

Siddaramaiah expressed his respect for Stalin, calling him a "courageous leader" despite being new to politics. He explained that he asked for the delay to ensure a more "cordial atmosphere," emphasizing the need for mutual respect and cooperation between the states, stating, "Ultimately, India is one."

“

He is a courageous leader.

The Karnataka government faces severe rainfall deficits this year, receiving only about 35% of its normal rainfall. This shortage has intensified protests among farmers who oppose the Cauvery Water Management Authority's directive to release 3,500 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for 15 days. Karnataka has released only about 3.6 TMC of water against an expected 40 TMC by July, primarily for drinking water purposes and not for irrigation.

Ahead of Stalin's planned visit, Kannada activists had torn posters of his recent film and disrupted screenings. Siddaramaiah appealed to political parties and Kannada organizations to refrain from calling for further shutdowns over the issue. The two states are also discussing the implementation of a distress-sharing formula for the river's water.

“

I only requested that we meet in a better and more cordial atmosphere because I don't want anyone shouting against my friends. We should respect each other. We have to live together and work together. Ultimately, India is one.