'Let Cauvery unite our people': K'taka BJP chief calls on Vijay to bridge 'differences'

Karnataka BJP chief Vijayendra has penned a letter to Tamil Nadu CM Vijay, imploring him to adopt a cooperative approach towards the ongoing Cauvery water dispute and back the proposed Mekedatu reservoir project. Vijayendra argues that the Cauvery should bind the people of both states, rather than severing ties between them. The call for unity comes as tensions have escalated between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu following the recent directive by the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) for Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for 15 days.

This directive has sparked protests in Karnataka, while the DMK has petitioned the Supreme Court, seeking implementation of the water release order and clearing the accumulated shortfall.

Vijayendra notes that interstate differences are inevitable but emphasizes that the manner in which they are resolved matters. He cites the example of the earlier resolution of the dispute related to the Thiruvalluvar statue in Bengaluru, where former Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa and former Tamil Nadu CM M Karunanidhi demonstrated that difficult issues could be settled when the larger public interest was prioritized.

Vijayendra urges Vijay to consider the Mekedatu project as a means to address Bengaluru's drinking water needs without compromising Tamil Nadu's rightful share of Cauvery waters. He believes that by supporting this project, Vijay can set a powerful example of cooperation between the two states.