Pro-Kannada organisations have called for a statewide Karnataka bandh on August 13 over the ongoing Cauvery water dispute with Tamil Nadu. The bandh will be observed from 6 am to 6 pm, with leaders urging people and various organisations across the state to support the protest.
The bandh call was announced by pro-Kannada leader Vatal Nagaraj, who said the protest is aimed at opposing the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu and raising concerns over Karnataka’s water needs.
Airport Gherao Protest on August 3
Apart from the statewide shutdown, the organisations have also announced an airport gherao (protest) on August 3 as part of their agitation.
The announcements come at a time when the Cauvery issue has once again become a major political and public concern in Karnataka following recent directions from the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) and the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA).
DK Shivakumar Requests Tamil Nadu to Postpone Meeting
Amid the growing tension, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said he has requested Tamil Nadu Chief Minister CJ Vijay to postpone the proposed meeting between the two states until the situation becomes more peaceful.
Shivakumar said both governments had earlier agreed to hold discussions on several issues, and the next round of talks was scheduled soon. However, after the recent court-related developments, CWRC and CWMA decisions, and the ongoing water audit, he believes the atmosphere is not suitable for such a meeting at this time.
“I want both states to benefit. I don’t want any hard feelings between us,” Shivakumar said, adding that both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have farmers who depend on Cauvery water.
He also said rainfall plays a major role in water availability and stressed that both states should work together instead of allowing tensions to grow.
Government Says It Will Follow Supreme Court Orders
Shivakumar said the Karnataka government is committed to following the Supreme Court’s directions on the Cauvery issue and does not intend to violate any legal orders.
Speaking about the proposed Mekedatu project, he said it would benefit both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. According to him, the balancing reservoir would mainly help regulate water supply, while Karnataka would benefit from power generation.
He also said the state government would keep all political parties informed about future decisions. A meeting with opposition leaders has been scheduled in the coming days to discuss the issue and seek a common approach.