Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader R. Ashoka on 25 June alleged that the Karnataka Congress government, led by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, has been secretly releasing water from the KRS reservoir to Tamil Nadu, even as water levels at the reservoir have dropped to alarming lows. Ashoka made the allegations at a press conference in Bengaluru, questioning why the Chief Minister has not taken stronger action to protect the state's water interests.

Reservoir Levels and the Numbers

According to Ashoka, the KRS reservoir — which has a total capacity of 124.80 feet — currently holds only 81.03 feet of water. Inflow stands at 689 cusecs, while outflow is recorded at 1,886 cusecs, a gap the BJP leader described as evidence of excessive water being diverted to Tamil Nadu. He further noted that in June, a mandatory release of 9.19 TMC of water to Tamil Nadu is scheduled under the Cauvery water-sharing arrangement.

Political Accusations and Alliance Angle

Ashoka alleged that the Congress government is releasing water to Tamil Nadu to appease its political alliance partner, rather than acting in Karnataka's interest. He questioned why Chief Minister Shivakumar has not convened an all-party meeting given the severity of the water crisis, and why no condemnation resolution has been passed against Tamil Nadu's stance on the Mekedatu project. Ashoka also took a sharp dig at the Chief Minister, alleging he 'does nothing except visit temples and apply sacred ash' instead of taking decisive action on water issues.

Impact on Farmers in Mandya, Mysuru, and Bengaluru

The BJP leader highlighted the distress of farmers across Mandya, Mysuru, and Bengaluru districts who depend on the KRS reservoir for irrigation. He said the government has already announced that no water will be allocated for crops or canals, leaving farmers who have already sown half their crops in acute distress. Ashoka demanded that a meeting with farmers should have been called earlier to deliberate on the crisis.

Bidadi Township and Land Acquisition Row

Ashoka also raised a separate but related grievance — the proposed Bidadi Township project — demanding it be scrapped to protect agricultural land. He alleged that the government is planning to acquire 9,000 acres in Anekal and had also attempted land acquisition near Devanahalli, which farmers reportedly resisted. He claimed to have visited Bidadi three times and warned of a 'massive agitation' if the project proceeds. Ashoka alleged that the Congress government was falsely attributing the Bidadi project to former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy while concealing records of available vacant land in the state.

What Comes Next

Ashoka acknowledged that with roughly one-and-a-half years remaining in the current government's term, immediate policy reversal is unlikely. He pledged that a BJP government, if voted to power, would cancel the Bidadi Township project. The water dispute is expected to intensify as the monsoon season progresses and Cauvery river flow data becomes a flashpoint between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu once again.