Former Minister Narasimha Naik addressing a press conference in Yadgir on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Former Minister Narasimha Naik (Raju Gowda) on Saturday warned that a Yadgir Bandh would be observed on November 6 if the State government failed to address the ongoing water crisis affecting farmers in the district by November 5.
Addressing a press conference here alongside leaders of various farmer groups and pro-Kannada organisations, Mr. Naik said that standing crops spread across thousands of acres were on the verge of withering due to the sudden stoppage of water supply.
Criticising the current irrigation schedule, Mr. Naik said the authorities stopped releasing water into the Narayanpur Left and Right Bank Canals from the Basavasagar reservoir on October 25 under the Warabandi restrictions. The water release is scheduled to resume on November 2 and continue until November 12, following decisions made at the Irrigation Consultation Committee (ICC) meeting in Bengaluru.
Mr. Naik argued that extending water release only until November 12 would be insufficient to save crucial standing crops such as paddy, green chilli, and cotton at this critical growth stage.
”If water is not released continuously till the end of November, standing crops will be completely destroyed. The State government must immediately direct authorities to extend the water release period to protect the interests of local farmers,” Mr. Naik said, setting a November 5 deadline for the government to act.
Unauthorised release
Mr. Naik alleged that authorities were releasing water to neighbouring Telangana overnight based on verbal instructions. Questioning Minister for Large and Medium Industries M.B. Patil’s recent statements regarding inter-State water sharing, Mr. Naik remarked, “Karnataka paid Maharashtra to receive water. Did Telangana pay us similarly?”
Regional Representation
Further, Mr. Naik demanded a structural change in the administration of irrigation matters.
He urged the government to appoint legislators from Raichur, Yadgir, or Kalaburagi districts as Chairman of the ICC, noting that the position has historically been held by MLAs from Bagalkote or Vijayapura.
“Appointing an MLA from this region as ICC Chairman will ensure fair representation and justice for local farmers,” he added.
Leaders from various farmer associations and civic organisations were present at the press conference.
Published – October 31, 2026 06:38 pm IST
