Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has agreed to defer his proposed visit to Bengaluru after Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar requested him to postpone the trip in view of the prevailing Cauvery
water dispute, saying the move would help preserve a cordial atmosphere between the two neighbouring states. Speaking to reporters after the historic all-party meeting convened on theCauvery issueon Sunday, Shivakumar said he personally appealed to Vijay to reschedule the visit as emotions over the water-sharing dispute were running high in Karnataka. “I have great respect for him. Though he may be new to politics, he is a courageous leader. I congratulated him on his bold decision. Whatever our political differences may be, he wanted to come to Karnataka. 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,” Shivakumar said. The Chief Minister dismissed allegations that his government was acting in the interest of Tamil Nadu or the DMK, asserting that Karnataka remained committed to safeguarding the state’s interests while maintaining cordial ties with its neighbour.
“For me, Tamil Nadu is one and Karnataka is one. Ultimately, we are one,” he said.
Reiterating Karnataka’s stand on the long-pending Mekedatu balancing reservoir project, Shivakumar described it as a permanent solution to the Cauvery dispute and claimed that the project would significantly benefit Tamil Nadu.
“If the Mekedatu reservoir is built, nearly 90 per cent of the benefit will go to Tamil Nadu, more than Karnataka. At no point can that water be diverted back to Bengaluru. Anyone can visit the project site and understand the facts,” he said.
Shivakumar also reaffirmed Karnataka’s commitment to complying with Supreme Court orders while protecting the interests of the state.
Referring to the Cauvery Water Management Authority’s direction to release 3,500 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for 15 days, he said Karnataka was adhering to the order despite facing a difficult situation due to deficient rainfall.
On the DMK approaching the Supreme Court over the Cauvery issue, the Chief Minister said political parties were entitled to have differing views.
“We are closely watching the situation. We respect the sentiments of the people and the law of the country. As per the orders passed, we are releasing water, and I hope there will be no problem,” he said.
The decision to postpone Vijay’s Bengaluru visit comes amid heightened tensions between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the sharing of Cauvery river water, with Karnataka maintaining that deficient monsoon rainfall has severely impacted reservoir levels while continuing to comply with judicial and statutory directions on water release.
