The recent directive from the Cauvery Water Regulation Commission (CWRC) advising Karnataka to release 3,000 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu for a span of 18 days has sparked intense reactions from opposition parties in Karnataka. They strongly advocate against any water release to Tamil Nadu.
This development coincided with a citywide strike organized by various pro-Kannada groups, agricultural associations, and labor unions in Bangalore. The protest targeted the Karnataka government’s compliance with the Supreme Court’s order from the previous week. The bandh received support from the BJP and JD(S), both prominent opposition parties.
While Karnataka’s Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, indicated that the government would explore legal avenues in response to CWRC’s recommendation, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar welcomed the panel’s suggestion. He emphasized that Tamil Nadu had originally pressed for the release of 12,000 cusecs.
JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy expressed shock over the recommendation, deeming it detrimental to both the Cauvery River and the interests of the Kannadiga people. He urged the CWRC and the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) to promptly devise a “distress sharing formula.” Kumaraswamy insisted that the state government make an unequivocal stand against water release until a viable formula is established, asserting that water should not be relinquished under any circumstances.
Accusing the state government of a lack of resolve in defending Karnataka’s interests against Tamil Nadu’s demands, Kumaraswamy criticized the ruling Congress party for prioritizing its coalition partner, the DMK, currently in power in Tamil Nadu.
Meanwhile, BJP leader B S Yediyurappa warned that renewing water release to Tamil Nadu would have a detrimental impact on Karnataka’s self-esteem.
