Now Reading: Karnataka bandh withdrawn after activists meet CM Shivakumar
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Karnataka bandh withdrawn after activists meet CM Shivakumar
Kannada activists withdrew their statewide bandh call on Thursday after meeting Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, as the Karnataka Legislative Assembly began its session. Shivakumar thanked the groups for withdrawing the protest, which…
The Story in Brief
Kannada activists withdrew their statewide bandh call on Thursday after meeting Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, as the Karnataka Legislative Assembly began its session. Shivakumar thanked the groups for withdrawing the protest, which was called over the Cauvery water-sharing dispute and demands for projects including Mekedatu and Mahadayi.
Protests had intensified in Mandya district, with farmers offering symbolic protests and demanding justice. Normal life remained largely unaffected in Bengaluru and Mysuru, though police deployed extra personnel along the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border. The activists said they are not against sharing water with Tamil Nadu but want Karnataka's water needs safeguarded.
The Indian Opinion
The bandh call and withdrawal show how the Cauvery issue is used as a pressure tool rather than a genuine crisis. Both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu politicians exaggerate water scarcity to rally support, while farmers in both states suffer from delayed projects and unpredictable rainfall. The real test will be whether the Mekedatu project gets clearances and funding, or remains another election promise. How much water is actually released to Tamil Nadu this week will tell if the government's assurance holds weight.
Sources (4): livemint.com, deccanherald.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com (2)
This story was synthesised by AI from the 4 sources linked above.
