Several Kannada organisations have thrown their weight behind a Karnataka bandh on 13 August, called to protest Tamil Nadu's opposition to the Mekedatu drinking water project. The bandh call, however, has exposed sharp divisions among pro-Kannada groups, with at least three prominent organisations and a cab-drivers' association declining to participate.

What Triggered the Bandh Call

The Mekedatu project — a proposed reservoir on the Cauvery river in Karnataka — has been a long-running flashpoint between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Karnataka maintains the project is essential to secure Bengaluru's drinking water future. Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed it, citing concerns over downstream water availability. Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj addressed media in Bengaluru on Monday, urging citizens of all linguistic backgrounds to join the shutdown and take to the streets.

'We are launching a protest for the Mekedatu project. Tamil Nadu has launched a protest saying that the Mekedatu project should not be implemented. But they are not explaining what problems they would face because of the project,' Nagaraj said.

He warned that the city faces a serious water crisis if the project does not go ahead. 'If the Mekedatu project is not implemented, there will be no water for Bengaluru. Where will you go then? For whom are we protesting? We are protesting for the people of Bengaluru,' he added.

Organisations That Have Backed the Bandh

Several Kannada outfits met in Mandya and formally decided to back the 13 August bandh. As part of the build-up, Kannada activists reportedly blocked the Hosur Highway near Anekal on Monday while demonstrating against Tamil Nadu's stance. Police detained the protesters, following which Nagaraj staged a dharna.

The Cauvery Hitarakshana Vedike is yet to announce its position and is expected to hold an internal meeting before declaring its stand.

Who Is Staying Away

Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) president T.R. Narayana Gowda said his organisation would instead hold a parallel protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Senior Kannada activist Sa. Ra. Govindu has said he will not lend support to the bandh. KRV leader Praveen Kumar Shetty has also declined to back the call. The Ola and Uber Cab Aggregators Owners and Drivers Association has indicated it is not keen on participating either.

The Mekedatu Dispute: Background

The Mekedatu project has been contested for years. Karnataka argues that the reservoir is vital not just for drinking water but for long-term water security for Bengaluru, which is among India's fastest-growing cities. Tamil Nadu counters that any new structure on the Cauvery threatens its share of river water under existing tribunal awards. The dispute sits at the intersection of interstate water rights, urban infrastructure needs, and electoral politics in both states.

What Happens Next

With divergent positions among Kannada organisations, the actual scale of the 13 August bandh will become clearer over the next few days. The Cauvery Hitarakshana Vedike's decision is seen as a key indicator of how broad the shutdown will be. Nagaraj has appealed to all residents of Bengaluru — including Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, and Marwari communities — to participate, framing the issue as one of basic civic need rather than linguistic identity.