BY Vijayendra Urges Karnataka Government to Protect Farmers and Accelerate Mekedatu Project

The Bharatiya Janata Party has expressed its support for a united Karnataka position on the Cauvery water sharing issue while urging the state government to focus on protecting farmers and speeding up the long pending Mekedatu project. BJP state president B Y Vijayendra said the current inflow into the Cauvery basin has created a favorable situation, but warned that the government should not become complacent and must prepare for future water management challenges.

Vijayendra made these remarks after participating in the all party meeting convened by Chief Minister D K Shivakumar to discuss Karnataka’s strategy following recent developments in the Cauvery water dispute. The meeting brought together leaders from different political parties, senior ministers, legal experts and top government officials to deliberate on the state’s response and long term planning.

According to Vijayendra, the present water inflow into the Cauvery catchment area has reduced immediate concerns regarding water availability. However, he stressed that the government’s primary responsibility is to protect the interests of Karnataka’s farmers, particularly those who depend on the river for irrigation during the cultivation season.

He said BJP clearly conveyed during the meeting that while the current inflow has provided temporary relief, the administration must ensure that farmers’ needs remain the highest priority. Water management decisions, he added, should be taken carefully by balancing agricultural requirements, drinking water needs and legal obligations.

One of the major issues highlighted by Vijayendra was the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project. He urged the Karnataka government to move forward without unnecessary delay, claiming that the Central Government has already clarified its position regarding the project.

According to Vijayendra, the Centre has maintained that approval from the neighboring state is not mandatory for Karnataka to proceed with the necessary proposal related to the project. He said the state government should immediately resubmit the required reports and complete the next stages of the approval process instead of allowing the proposal to remain pending.

He described the Mekedatu project as an important infrastructure initiative that would help improve water storage, ensure drinking water security and strengthen long term management of Cauvery resources. In his view, accelerating the project would benefit both urban and rural regions of Karnataka.

Former Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai also participated in the meeting and emphasized the importance of long term planning instead of relying solely on favorable rainfall conditions. He said the recent inflow into reservoirs should not create a false sense of security, as weather patterns can change quickly and future shortages cannot be ruled out.

Bommai noted that the discussion at the all party meeting was serious and constructive, with leaders exchanging views on several important issues connected to water sharing and resource management. He advised the government to prepare comprehensive strategies for the entire year rather than making decisions based only on current reservoir levels.

The former Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of safeguarding standing crops across the Cauvery basin. He said farmers in several districts continue to depend on timely water supply for irrigation, and any disruption could directly affect agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.

He further pointed out that drinking water requirements for Bengaluru and many towns and villages in Mandya and Mysuru districts should receive equal attention while planning reservoir releases. Ensuring sufficient storage for domestic consumption, he said, remains just as important as meeting agricultural demands.

Speaking about the Mekedatu project, Bommai said the Central Government has adopted a positive approach toward the proposal. He remarked that this is one of the clearest indications received from the Centre regarding the project’s future and said the Chief Minister had also acknowledged the encouraging position during the discussions.

According to Bommai, Karnataka should make full use of this opportunity by completing procedural requirements and maintaining regular coordination with the Union Government. He added that delaying the project further would not serve the long term interests of the state.

The all party meeting was held against the backdrop of statewide protests following the recent order issued by the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee on July 30. Political parties, farmers’ organizations and several Kannada groups have voiced strong opposition to releasing additional water to Tamil Nadu, arguing that Karnataka must first secure its own agricultural and drinking water needs.

The Cauvery dispute has remained one of the most significant interstate water issues in southern India for decades. Every order related to water release attracts close attention because it directly affects reservoir management, irrigation planning and the livelihood of thousands of farming families.

Leaders participating in the meeting agreed that protecting Karnataka’s interests requires both legal preparedness and political unity. While parties may differ on various policy matters, several participants emphasized that issues involving the state’s water resources demand collective action and coordinated representation before appropriate authorities.

The discussion also focused on the importance of scientific reservoir management. Experts believe that making effective use of current inflows while preserving sufficient storage for future requirements will be critical if rainfall patterns become uncertain later in the season.

Participants at the meeting included Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, Union Ministers V Somanna and Shobha Karandlaje, KPCC President H K Patil, state ministers Ramalinga Reddy, K J George and Krishna Byre Gowda. Karnataka’s Special Representative in New Delhi T B Jayachandra, Leader of Opposition R Ashoka, Legislative Council Opposition Leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, Advocate General Shashikiran Shetty and senior government officials also attended the discussions.

With the Cauvery issue continuing to dominate political and public discourse, BJP leaders reiterated that the state government should use the present favorable inflow wisely while preparing for future challenges. They maintained that protecting farmers, ensuring drinking water security and moving the Mekedatu project forward should remain among the government’s highest priorities.