BJP to stage protest in Mandya on Cauvery water issue: B.Y. Vijayendra

Accusing the government of Karnataka of ‘playing with the lives of farmers; in the Cauvery basin, BJP State unit president B.Y. Vijayendra announced that the party would stage a protest in Mandya on July 31 against the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.

Addressing presspersons in Shivamogga on July 29, Mr. Vijayendra alleged that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had appealed to farmers in Karnataka not to cultivate crops because of inadequate water availability, while simultaneously releasing Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu ‘to please the Chief Minister of that State’.

“The Chief Minister is playing with the lives of farmers. On the one hand, he is asking farmers not to grow crops, and on the other, he is releasing water to the neighbouring State,” he said.

Referring to the directions of the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee, Mr. Vijayendra said the committee had told Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu. “If the State Government follows the committee’s directions, Karnataka will be left with very little water. Instead of releasing water, the government should challenge the order through the appropriate legal and statutory forums,” he said.

He said the BJP’s protest in Mandya on July 31 would be held to safeguard the interests of farmers. Leaders of various farmers’ organisations and the JD(S) are expected to participate in the agitation.

Responding to a question on the case registered against BJP MLC C.T. Ravi over his alleged objectionable remarks during a protest, Mr. Vijayendra said he was not aware of the context in which the remarks had been made. However, he accused the State Government of attempting to intimidate BJP leaders by registering cases against them.

“There are several pressing issues that deserve the attention of the Home Minister. Instead of targeting our leaders, the government should focus on more important public concerns,” he said.

Commenting on former chief minister Siddaramaiah’s reported statement that he would not contest the 2028 Assembly elections, Mr. Vijayendra said that if the Congress leader stayed away from the electoral fray, the party’s tally could come down to 50-60 seats.

BJP Shivamogga district president N.K. Jagadish and other party leaders were present.