Members of Raitha Hitarakshana Samiti staged a protest in Mandya, wearing black bands and alleging that water was being released from Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) dam to Tamil Nadu. The demonstration took place on Sunday following the chief minister’s visit to the city. Police took the protesters into custody but later released them.

Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister D K Shivakumar addressed the situation, stating, “It has become difficult to supply water to our people due to the drought in the state. Hence, there is no question of releasing water to Tamil Nadu. The BJP and the JD(S) leaders have lost their minds and have been diverting people’s attention by issuing such statements.”

Shivakumar emphasized that, in the current situation, water would not be released to Tamil Nadu, and the priority is to supply drinking water. He challenged BJP leaders and H D Deve Gowda to obtain permission for the Mekedatu project before discussing the Cauvery issue. According to Shivakumar, water is being released from the KRS dam to address shortages in Bengaluru, and the government will continue its legal fight in the interests of farmers.

“If the BJP gets permission to construct a 66-tmcft balancing reservoir at Mekedatu, it will be possible to release water to Tamil Nadu whenever they demand,” Shivakumar added.

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