The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and several farmer organisations staged a large-scale protest at the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) Dam in Srirangapatna on Friday, 31 July, condemning the Congress government's handling of the Cauvery River water dispute and demanding that Karnataka move the Supreme Court against a recent order directing the state to release water to Tamil Nadu. Anticipating attempts to lay siege to the reservoir, the state government deployed more than 1,500 police personnel across the dam and surrounding areas.

Key Developments at the Protest

The demonstration was led by senior BJP figures including 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. Members of multiple farmer organisations joined the rally, reflecting the breadth of public sentiment over the water-sharing order.

Entry to the Brindavan Gardens at the KRS Dam was prohibited for the day as a precautionary measure, with police personnel brought in from neighbouring districts to reinforce the deployment.

What the Police Said

Mandya Superintendent of Police Shobharani confirmed the scale of the security operation, stating that the force comprised two Superintendents of Police, one Additional SP, nine Deputy SPs, 28 Circle Inspectors and Inspectors, 46 Police Sub-Inspectors, and 59 Assistant Sub-Inspectors, in addition to constables. Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) and District Armed Reserve (DAR) platoons were also pressed into service.

'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,' she said.

BJP Leaders Demand Supreme Court Appeal

Addressing reporters, former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa urged Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to immediately challenge the water-release direction in the Supreme Court. '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.

Vijayendra echoed the demand, saying the BJP and farmer organisations were united in opposing the release at a time when reservoir levels were inadequate. '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,' he said, adding that farmers were already grappling with insufficient water for irrigation.

Broader Political Context

The protest comes amid escalating political tensions over the Cauvery water-sharing dispute, a perennial flashpoint between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu that has repeatedly reached the Supreme Court and the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA). Opposition parties have accused the Congress government of inadequately defending Karnataka's interests before regulatory and judicial forums — a charge the ruling party has denied.

This is not the first time the KRS Dam has become the focal point of large-scale demonstrations over water-sharing; previous episodes have similarly drawn significant police mobilisation. Authorities said they were closely monitoring the situation as protests continued through the day.

What Happens Next

All eyes are now on Chief Minister Shivakumar's response to the BJP's demand for a Supreme Court challenge. Legal and political observers say the state's next move before the court could determine both the immediate water-release timeline and the political narrative heading into the next legislative session.