Karnataka Bandh Over Cauvery Issue Faces Split

Pro-Kannada groups in Karnataka are divided over a state-wide shutdown planned for August 13 over the Cauvery water-sharing issue. The bandh was called by Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj, who has said that the protest will go ahead as planned.

However, several important Kannada organizations have decided not to support the shutdown. They believe that the water situation in Karnataka has improved and that a bandh may not be necessary at this stage.

The proposed protest comes after the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) upheld an order asking Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of Cauvery water every day to Tamil Nadu for 15 days. The total quantity is around 4 TMC of water.

Karnataka had opposed the order. The state government said that it was facing water shortages because of poor monsoon rainfall and low water levels in its reservoirs. Karnataka also said that it needs to keep enough water available for drinking purposes in several parts of the state.

Vatal Nagaraj announced the 24-hour bandh soon after the CWMA decision. He said the protest was necessary to put pressure on the authorities and protect Karnataka’s interests in the Cauvery water dispute.

The decision has now created differences among pro-Kannada groups. While Nagaraj continues to support the bandh, some organizations have withdrawn their support, saying that the situation has changed and that the state should consider the current water availability before holding a statewide shutdown.

The Cauvery dispute has been a long-standing issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Both states depend heavily on the river for drinking water and agriculture. Any decision about releasing Cauvery water often leads to political tensions and protests in Karnataka.

As August 13 approaches, attention is now on whether the bandh will receive widespread support across Karnataka. The division among Kannada organizations could affect the scale of the protest.