BJP stages protest at KRS as B.Y. Vijayendra questions Cauvery water release and demands priority for Karnataka farmers
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) intensified its criticism of the Karnataka government over the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, with Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra alleging that the state government failed to safeguard farmers' interests. Speaking during a protest at the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) Dam, Vijayendra questioned the government's handling of the issue. He said the BJP would continue its agitation in support of farmers.
Mandya: Karnataka BJP President B. Y. Vijayendra criticised the Karnataka government over the release of Cauvery water, alleging that the interests of farmers had not been adequately protected.
Addressing party workers and farmers during a protest near the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam, Vijayendra said the state government had not taken timely measures despite concerns over rainfall and water availability.
"The government should protect the interests of Karnataka's farmers while dealing with the Cauvery water issue," B.Y. Vijayendra said during the protest.
B.Y. Vijayendra Questions Cauvery Water Management
Vijayendra alleged that the Central Government had issued an early warning regarding possible drought conditions and claimed the Karnataka government did not take precautionary measures to address the situation.
He further alleged that the government remained focused on political developments instead of preparing for water management challenges affecting farmers dependent on the Cauvery basin.
The Karnataka government has not responded to these specific allegations at the time of publication.
BJP Targets D.K. Shivakumar Over Water Release
Referring to D. K. Shivakumar, Vijayendra said the Chief Minister, who previously handled the Irrigation portfolio, was familiar with issues related to the Cauvery water dispute.
He alleged that the government agreed to release water to Tamil Nadu without adequately protecting Karnataka's interests. Vijayendra also claimed that the Chief Minister had not consulted legal experts on the matter before the water release.
These allegations reflect the BJP's position. The Karnataka government has not issued a response to these claims.
BJP Says All-Party Meeting Came After Water Release
Vijayendra criticised the timing of the proposed all-party meeting on the Cauvery issue, claiming that several TMC of water had already been released before discussions were initiated.
According to him, the meeting should have been convened earlier to deliberate on the state's strategy before decisions relating to water release were taken.
He also questioned whether the meeting was intended to address farmers' concerns or political issues, stating that the BJP would participate if the government took a firm stand in support of Karnataka farmers.
Vijayendra said the BJP would support efforts that prioritise the interests of Karnataka farmers in the Cauvery dispute.
BJP Announces Continued Agitation on Cauvery Issue
The Karnataka BJP President said the party would continue its campaign on the Cauvery water issue and organise further protests in support of farmers.
He stated that the protest at KRS was intended to urge the government to reconsider its approach to water management and ensure that farmers' concerns remain central to policy decisions.
Vijayendra Recalls History of KRS Dam
During his address, Vijayendra referred to the history of the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) Dam, also known as the Kannambadi Dam, noting that it was built to support irrigation and protect farmers' interests in the region.
He said the historic objective of the reservoir should continue to guide decisions relating to water management in Karnataka.
The Cauvery water-sharing issue has remained a recurring subject of legal and political debate between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, particularly during years of low rainfall and reduced reservoir storage.
