Karnataka CM Shivakumar Rejects Bandh and Promotes Mekedatu Project

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar appealed to farmers and pro-Kannada organizations on August 2, 2026, to withdraw a state-wide bandh scheduled for August 13. The protest was organized in response to a Cauvery Water Management Authority order requiring Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water daily for 15 days to Tamil Nadu. Shivakumar argued that increased rainfall has improved the water situation and that a shutdown would negatively impact schools and businesses without benefiting the state.

During an all-party meeting in New Delhi, Shivakumar promoted the Mekedatu dam project as the permanent solution to the water-sharing conflict. He cited the Supreme Court of India's decision to dismiss Tamil Nadu's objections to the project report in November 2025 and a July 2026 announcement from the central government stating that Karnataka does not require Tamil Nadu's consent for new construction across the river.

The dispute has triggered political volatility in Tamil Nadu. Law and Energy Resources Minister R. Nirmalkumar accused the opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) of collaborating with Shivakumar to obstruct Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's efforts to secure water rights. Meanwhile, DMK president M.K. Stalin criticized the Tamil Nadu government for deceiving farmers and announced a massive protest in Thanjavur on August 3, claiming the Chief Minister has become politically isolated.