'Don’t Think Current Atmosphere Is Conducive': DK Shivakumar Defers Meeting With Vijay Over Cauvery Protest
'Don’t Think Current Atmosphere Is Conducive': DK Shivakumar Defers Meeting With Vijay Over Cauvery Protest Published By, Last Updated: July 31, 2026, 15:13 IST The
'Don’t Think Current Atmosphere Is Conducive': DK Shivakumar Defers Meeting With Vijay Over Cauvery Protest Published By, Last Updated: July 31, 2026, 15:13 IST The proposed meeting came amid fresh tensions over the Cauvery water-sharing dispute, with protests being held in Karnataka over the issue. Rapid Read Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar speaking to reporters. (PTI Image) Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday said his proposed meeting with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay, scheduled for August 3, has been postponed in view of the prevailing situation surrounding the Cauvery water dispute and protests in the state. Shivakumar said he had requested the Tamil Nadu CM to defer his visit, stating that any discussion between the two states should take place in an atmosphere that benefits both sides and does not create further tension. “Considering the current atmosphere, I have requested that the meeting be postponed," Shivakumar said. He added that the two leaders would meet once the situation improves. “We’ll meet once the situation eases out," he said. The Karnataka chief minister said the proposed meeting was planned after Tamil Nadu expressed its intention to hold discussions with the state government.
“The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister himself had written a letter to our Chief Secretary. We had fixed August 3 for the meeting," Shivakumar said. He said the purpose of the meeting was to find a solution that works for both states. “Now, I have requested Chief Minister Vijay. The meeting should benefit both the states. Apart from that, it should not create any adverse situation," he added. The proposed meeting came amid fresh tensions over the Cauvery water-sharing dispute, with protests being held in Karnataka over the issue. Several pro-Kannada organisations have opposed the release of water to Tamil Nadu and have raised concerns over the state’s own water requirements. Addressing the dispute, Shivakumar said both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have the right to safeguard their interests but should resolve differences through dialogue. “It’s Tamil Nadu’s right to protest. They have to protect the interests of their state. We have to protect the interests of our state. We have to negotiate amicably," he said. Urging restraint, Shivakumar said the Cauvery issue should be resolved before any meeting between the two chief ministers takes place.
“If the issue can be resolved amicably, let it be resolved. I request the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to refrain from visiting at this time. There should be no meeting in the present atmosphere. Let the Cauvery water dispute be resolved first," he said. The Karnataka chief minister also criticised the protests by the BJP over the issue, saying there was no need for such demonstrations. “Our BJP friends protested. There was no need for such a protest," he said. Shivakumar said he has called an all-party meeting to discuss the issue and take all political parties into confidence before deciding the state’s next course of action. “The next decision will be taken only after the all-party meeting," he said. Responding to calls by some pro-Kannada organisations for a Karnataka bandh over the Cauvery dispute, Shivakumar said such a move would not help resolve the issue. “A Karnataka bandh will not provide any relief. There is no need for a bandh. We are here to work for the welfare of the state," he said. Defending Karnataka’s position on water release, Shivakumar claimed that the state had released the least amount of Cauvery water in July in a century.
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