Cauvery row: Karnataka CM D K Shivakumar urges TN CM Vijay to defer Bengaluru visit

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has announced that the proposed meeting with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has been postponed in view of the latest developments in the Cauvery water-sharing dispute

The decision follows the Cauvery Water Management Authority’s direction asking Karnataka to ensure a daily release of 3,500 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for the next 15 days.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said the state government would first examine the order with legal experts and consult leaders of opposition parties before deciding its next step.

He said Karnataka intends to challenge the Authority’s direction while continuing to act within the framework of the law. According to him, discussions with Tamil Nadu would be more productive once the present legal issues are addressed.

Shivakumar noted that the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Office had earlier sought a meeting between the two governments to discuss a range of bilateral matters. Karnataka had agreed to the request, and August 3 was initially identified as a suitable date.

However, he said the latest order on the Cauvery issue had altered the situation, prompting Karnataka to request that the meeting be deferred until conditions become more conducive for constructive dialogue

Reiterating the state’s priorities, Shivakumar said Karnataka remains committed to safeguarding drinking water requirements. He added that the state estimates a need for around 40 TMC of water over the coming year, including approximately 36 TMC for drinking purposes and the remaining quantity for evaporation and other essential requirements.

He also said Karnataka’s legal team and officials had presented the state’s position before the Cauvery Water Management Authority and would continue to pursue all available legal remedies.