Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday, 2 August warned the state government against complacency over the Cauvery water crisis, stressing that recent rainfall in the basin offers only a temporary reprieve and not a structural solution. Speaking to the media after an all-party meeting on Cauvery river water distribution convened by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar in Bengaluru, Bommai called on the government to approach the upcoming Supreme Court hearing with comprehensive data and well-prepared arguments.

The Supreme Court Hearing

With the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) having already filed a petition in the Supreme Court, a hearing is scheduled for the coming Monday. Bommai cautioned that inadequate preparation could prove costly. “Since DMK has already filed a petition in the Supreme Court and the hearing is scheduled for upcoming Monday, the state government must present valid arguments backed by solid data. Failing to do so could result in a severe court order, putting the government in distress once again,” he said. The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) meets every 15 days and the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) convenes monthly, with water releases governed by distress-sharing formulas that leave little room for political manoeuvre.

Rainfall Offers Temporary Relief, Not a Permanent Fix

Bommai acknowledged that heavy rainfall in Wayanad, Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, and Sakleshpur had eased immediate pressure on the Cauvery basin. However, he was emphatic that this must not lull the administration into inaction. “Good rainfall in the Cauvery basin is nature’s temporary relief to the water scarcity. However, this is only a temporary respite and not a permanent solution,” he said. He urged the government to continuously monitor the situation and protect the state’s interests on both drinking water and agricultural fronts.

Sharp Criticism Over KRS Dam and Farmer Welfare

Bommai expressed strong objection to the state government projecting the reduction of water release from 9,500 cusecs to 3,500 cusecs as a major achievement. “If water had been released to farmers, canals, and lakes, it could have been called an achievement. Boasting about an achievement without releasing a single drop of water from the KRS dam to our farmers is unacceptable,” he said. He also pointed out that despite official advisories against sowing due to water shortage for both Kharif and Rabi crops, farmers had already completed nearly 70 per cent of sowing, and questioned what compensation the government intended to provide for their potential losses. He urged the government to act with foresight to ensure that drinking water and agricultural supplies to Bengaluru, Mandya, and Mysuru remain unaffected during the anticipated water-scarce months of January and February.

Mekedatu Project and Cross-Party Cooperation

On the long-pending Mekedatu project, Bommai said the BJP had given its ‘in-principle’ approval to work collaboratively with the ruling Congress government. “We have consistently extended our support on various matters in the larger interest of the state. However, we have issued a stern warning to this government regarding the welfare of farmers and drinking water for the general public. Water management must be handled properly; otherwise, the people of this region will not forgive you,” he said firmly. Senior BJP leaders including State President B.Y. Vijayendra, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, and BJP MP Govind Karjol were present at the meeting.

Government Response

Minister of State for Jal Shakti V. Somanna offered a more optimistic reading of the situation, crediting the Chief Minister for convening the all-party meeting and noting that August has historically brought favourable developments for Karnataka during water crises. “Nature has once again come to our rescue. Today’s good rainfall in the Cauvery catchment area has created a more favourable situation,” he said. The divergence in tone between the ruling dispensation and the Opposition underscores the political sensitivity of the Cauvery dispute, which has historically strained Karnataka’s relations with Tamil Nadu. As the Supreme Court date approaches, how the state presents its case could shape water-release obligations for the months ahead.