Karnataka Expects Tamil Nadu CM Vijay for Cauvery Talks, No Official Confirmation
The Karnataka government is preparing for a possible visit by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to Bengaluru on August 3 for consultations on the Cauvery water dispute, though no official confirmation has been received yet.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar informed reporters in New Delhi on Wednesday (July 29) that Mr. Vijay had expressed his intention to meet him. Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara stated that the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister might visit Bengaluru on August 3, but added that the schedule was yet to be confirmed.
Mr. Shivakumar said, “Mr. Vijay has written to the Karnataka Chief Secretary and has also spoken to me over phone. I have extended him the respect he deserves and invited him to the meeting in Bengaluru. It is our duty to receive guests visiting our State with due courtesy, and all necessary arrangements have been made to receive him.”
The Karnataka Chief Minister also revealed that he had requested Mr. Vijay to personally observe the drought situation in the Cauvery basin of Karnataka. “I have also informed him that the government will make the necessary arrangements for his aerial visit to see the situation. He should witness the ground realities,” he added.
Mr. Vijay’s proposed visit comes at a time when farmers' groups in Karnataka's Cauvery basin are protesting against the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee's order directing the state to release water to Tamil Nadu.
