Karnataka CM: Cauvery water release decision to follow July 15 meeting, balancing farmers and court orders
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday stated that the Karnataka government must balance the interests of the state's farmers, ensure drinking water supply, and comply with court directions before deciding on the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.
Speaking to reporters at his home office Krishna, the Chief Minister said: “The Cauvery Water Management Authority meeting is scheduled on July 15. We will present Karnataka’s case there and announce our decision thereafter.”
Responding to a query about demands from Mandya legislators regarding water release, he confirmed that MLAs from Mandya and Srirangapatna, along with the district in-charge minister, had met him. The government will take a decision after the July 15 meeting.
On a separate matter concerning the first aarti at the Tirumala temple, Shivakumar noted that Karnataka has historically had the privilege of the first aarti since the time of the Mysore Maharajas. He said that until now, an official used to receive this honour, but henceforth, elected representatives, judges, government officials, MPs, mayors, tahsildars, and other eligible dignitaries from Karnataka visiting the temple will be given this opportunity.
The Chief Minister clarified that the facility would not be restricted to any political party. “Elected representatives from any party will be eligible, subject to the prescribed guidelines. Our decision is limited to the allotment of the aarti privilege. All other procedures and regulations will continue to be governed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams administration, and we will not interfere with their rules.”
Shivakumar also announced that the Monsoon Session of the Karnataka legislature will be held from August 6. He said he would travel to Delhi for official work, and the party leadership would finalise the schedule within the next three to four days.
