Cauvery row: Karnataka BJP, farmers stage protest; major police deployment at KRS dam site

Bengaluru: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), along with several farmer organisations, held a massive protest at the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) Dam in Srirangapatna on Friday, condemning the Congress government's handling of the Cauvery River water dispute and demanding that the state challenge the recent order on the water release before the Supreme Court.

Anticipating attempts by protesters to lay siege to the reservoir, the state government deployed more than 1,500 police personnel in and around the KRS Dam to maintain law and order.

The BJP is leading a massive protest near the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) Dam in Srirangapatna, condemning the Congress government's handling of the Cauvery River water dispute and demanding that the state challenge the recent order on water release before the Supreme Court.

The protest is led by BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra, Central Parliamentary Board member and former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashoka, and Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, along with several party leaders and members of various farmer organisations.

Amid concerns that protesters may attempt to lay siege to the KRS Dam, the state government deployed over 1,500 police personnel in and around the reservoir and key locations in Mandya district to maintain law and order. Speaking to the media, Mandya Superintendent of Police Shobharani said elaborate security arrangements had been put in place.

"We have deployed two Superintendents of Police, one Additional SP, nine Deputy SPs, 28 Circle Inspectors and Inspectors, 46 Police Sub-Inspectors, and 59 Assistant Sub-Inspectors, apart from police constables. Striking forces, Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP), and District Armed Reserve (DAR) platoons have also been deployed. In total, 1,500 police personnel are monitoring the situation," she said.

She added that police personnel had been brought in from neighbouring districts and that entry to the Brindavan Gardens at the KRS Dam had been prohibited for the day as a precautionary measure.

"We are prepared for any situation and are taking all necessary measures to maintain law and order. Special security arrangements have been made in Mandya, Srirangapatna, and Maddur cities," the SP said.

Addressing the media, former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa urged CM D.K. Shivakumar to immediately move the Supreme Court against the direction to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.

"Regarding the Cauvery dispute, the present Chief Minister should file an appeal before the Supreme Court and render justice to the people of this region. Much injustice has already been meted out. It is an unpardonable act to direct Karnataka to release water when the state is facing a severe drinking water crisis," Yediyurappa said.

He further appealed to the Chief Minister to safeguard Karnataka's interests through legal intervention.

B.Y. Vijayendra said the BJP and farmer organisations had united to oppose the release of water at a time when Karnataka was grappling with inadequate reservoir levels and a looming drinking water shortage.

"The BJP and farmer organisations are jointly staging this protest at the KRS Dam. I appeal to the Chief Minister to challenge yesterday's order before the Supreme Court. The government must protect the interests of people living in the Cauvery catchment areas," Vijayendra said.

"There is a drinking water crisis in the state, and there is insufficient water for farmers. The Chief Minister should come to the rescue of the farming community," he added.

The protest comes amid heightened political tensions over the Cauvery water-sharing issue, with opposition parties accusing the Congress government of failing to adequately defend Karnataka's interests before the Cauvery Water Management Authority and other forums.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as political parties and farmer organisations continue their protests at the KRS Dam.

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