In a strong display of discontent, BJP leaders led a protest in Bengaluru against the Karnataka government’s decision to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. Former CM BS Yediyurappa staged a sit-in near the Gandhi statue, criticizing the government’s actions and asserting that the reservoirs in Karnataka are nearly dry. Yediyurappa accused CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar of acting like agents for Tamil Nadu, exacerbating the crisis.
BJP Member of Parliament Tejasvi Surya emphasized that Karnataka should halt the water being released to Tamil Nadu. He criticized the state government for not effectively presenting details to the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC), asserting that blaming the central government is not a solution.
Echoing these sentiments, BJP MLA BY Vijayendra Yediyurappa highlighted the government’s failure in addressing the concerns of farmers and managing the Cauvery issue. He stressed that the present government has not taken the crisis seriously and urged for immediate action.
In response, State Home Minister G Parameshwara assured that the state government was capable of handling the issue and prioritizing the welfare of farmers.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the state’s intention to challenge the Cauvery Water Management Authority’s order to release 3000 cusecs of water in the Supreme Court. The earlier order was to release 5000 cusecs of water, starting from September 28 till October 15, 2023, from Biligundlu.