Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday requested Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay to avoid visiting Karnataka for the time being, citing a tense situation after Kannada organisations called for a statewide shutdown over the Cauvery water dispute.
Shivakumar, who held a high-level meeting with officials on the issue, told reporters that Karnataka had released water last year due to good rainfall, and claimed that the state had supplied more than what was required. He said the Cauvery Management Authority’s direction was painful at a time when the state is facing a difficult situation without adequate rains.
Sharing reservoir status, he said Kabini had 83% storage while KRS stood at 36%. He said the state would appeal against the authority’s order and that Karnataka would take a united stand to protect its interests. Shivakumar also said he would raise the matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is scheduled to visit Karnataka to launch welfare initiatives.
The Chief Minister said he had spoken to Vijay, who had indicated he might visit Karnataka, though it was not confirmed. With a bandh announced for August 3, Shivakumar said it would be difficult to manage protests if Vijay visited during a charged atmosphere, and stressed that guests to the state should not face any trouble. He urged Kannada groups to withdraw the shutdown call and said the two states should work towards a solution without creating problems for either side, with key decisions expected at an all-party meeting in the coming days.
