Amid Cauvery row, DK Shivakumar thanks Vijay for delaying Bengaluru visit
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has agreed to postpone his proposed visit to Bengaluru following a request from Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has agreed to postpone his proposed visit to Bengaluru following a request from Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar amid heightened tensions over the Cauvery water-sharing dispute. Shivakumar said the decision would help preserve cordial relations between the two neighbouring states at a sensitive time. Speaking after an all-party meeting on the Cauvery issue in Bengaluru on Sunday, Shivakumar said he personally requested Vijay to defer his visit as public sentiment in Karnataka remained strong over the ongoing water dispute. Read Full Story "I have great respect for him. Though he may be new to politics, he is a courageous leader," Shivakumar said.
He added that he congratulated Vijay on his political journey and requested that the visit be rescheduled so the two leaders could meet in a "better and more cordial atmosphere." "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," the Karnataka Chief Minister said. Shivakumar also dismissed allegations that his government was favouring Tamil Nadu or the ruling TVK, asserting that Karnataka's interests remained his priority while maintaining friendly ties with the neighbouring state. "For me, Tamil Nadu is one and Karnataka is one. Ultimately, we are one," he said.
MEKEDATU PROJECT, CAUVERY RELEASES During the press conference, Shivakumar reiterated Karnataka's support for the proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir project, describing it as a long-term solution to the Cauvery water dispute. He claimed that nearly 90 per cent of the project's benefits would accrue to Tamil Nadu and maintained that water stored in the proposed reservoir could not be diverted to Bengaluru. "If the Mekedatu reservoir is built, nearly 90 per cent of the benefit will go to Tamil Nadu, more than Karnataka," he said, inviting people to visit the project site to understand its benefits. The Chief Minister also said Karnataka would continue to abide by the Supreme Court's directions and legal provisions while safeguarding the state's interests.
Referring to the Cauvery Water Management Authority's directive to release 3,500 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for 15 days, Shivakumar said the state was complying despite deficient rainfall and challenging conditions. On the DMK's move to approach the Supreme Court over the issue, he said political parties were entitled to hold 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. Ends
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