Shivakumar seeks postponement of TN CM’s Bengaluru visit over protests

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday appealed to his Tamil Nadu counterpart C Vijay Joseph to defer his proposed August 3 visit to Bengaluru in view of the charged atmosphere in the state following the CWMA’s decision upholding CWRC’s direction to Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for 15 days.

His appeal came amid widespread protests across Karnataka, particularly in Mandya, where demonstrators tore posters of Vijay’s recently released film Jananayagan and forced theatres at some places to halt its



screening.

Shivakumar said the state government had initially prepared to host the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister for talks but had decided to seek a postponement to ensure the meeting takes place in a peaceful atmosphere after consultations with his Cabinet colleagues and legal team.

“I request him to defer his proposed visit for a short while. At present, the atmosphere is beginning to improve. There is good rainfall and water inflows are increasing. Let us hold our meeting in a more conducive and cordial atmosphere,” the Chief Minister told reporters here.