Bengaluru: Protests over the Cauvery water-sharing dispute have intensified across Karnataka, with pro-Kannada organisations opposing the proposed visit of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to Bengaluru and staging demonstrations against the screening of his film Jana Nayagan.

The protests follow the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) directive asking Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for 15 days, a decision that has triggered widespread anger among several Kannada organisations.

Opposition to Vijay’s Bengaluru visit

Protesters have warned that they will oppose Vijay’s entry into Karnataka unless Tamil Nadu withdraws its demand for Cauvery water. Some organisations have even threatened to stage demonstrations at Bengaluru airport if the Chief Minister visits the city.

Amid the escalating tensions, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has decided to postpone his scheduled meeting with Vijay, which was to be held on August 3 in Bengaluru.

Shivakumar said the current atmosphere was not conducive for discussions and that a fresh date would be decided once the situation returns to normal. He reiterated that the Karnataka government remains committed to protecting the state’s interests while seeking a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

‘Jana Nayagan’ screenings disrupted

The protests have also affected the release of Jana Nayagan, starring Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay. Several theatres, particularly in Mandya, cancelled scheduled shows after pro-Kannada activists staged demonstrations outside cinema halls.

Protesters reportedly tore down film posters and demanded that theatres stop screening the movie. Authorities said the cancellations were made as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order amid the tense situation.

Statewide bandh call

Meanwhile, pro-Kannada organisations have called for a statewide bandh on August 13, scheduled from 6 am to 6 pm, to protest the CWMA’s decision on Cauvery water release.

The Karnataka government has appealed to the organisations to reconsider the bandh, stating that such shutdowns inconvenience the public. The government has also indicated that its next course of action on the Cauvery issue will be decided after an all-party meeting.
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