Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday, 13 July said the state government will take a call on releasing Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu only after the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) meeting scheduled for July 15. Shivakumar made the announcement while speaking to reporters outside his official residence, Krishna, in Bengaluru.

Karnataka's Stand Before the CWMA

The Chief Minister said the state would present its case 'strongly' before the CWMA, factoring in Karnataka's drinking water needs and the interests of its farming community. He emphasised the twin obligations the state faces: protecting its own farmers and water supply, while also adhering to the Supreme Court's directions on Tamil Nadu's allocated share of Cauvery water.

Shivakumar confirmed that a formal decision on water release would be announced only after the July 15 authority meeting — a stance that signals Bengaluru is not willing to pre-empt the regulatory process under political pressure.

Mandya MLAs Raise Demand for Water Release

Responding to questions about legislators from Mandya pressing for Cauvery water release, Shivakumar said MLAs from Mandya and Srirangapatna, along with the district in-charge minister, had met him and submitted their views. The Chief Minister acknowledged the representations but maintained that the decision would follow the CWMA deliberations. This comes amid recurring tensions between downstream Tamil Nadu's irrigation demands and upstream Karnataka's reservoir levels, a dispute that has periodically escalated to the Supreme Court over the past three decades.

Karnataka Legislature Monsoon Session from August 6

Separately, Shivakumar announced that the Karnataka Legislature's Monsoon Session is proposed to begin on 6 August. He also noted that he would travel to New Delhi for official work for a day, with party leaders set to finalise dates for further discussions before a second Delhi visit.

KPSC Chairman Suspension and Tirumala Aarti Decision

On the suspension of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) Chairman by the Governor, Shivakumar said the order had been issued and that he had directed the senior-most member of the Commission to discharge the Chairman's responsibilities until further orders.

The Chief Minister also addressed a long-standing protocol at the Tirumala temple, noting that the privilege of receiving the first Aarti — historically held by Karnataka since the era of the Mysore Maharajas — would now be extended beyond designated government officials to include public representatives, judges, Members of Parliament, mayors, tahsildars, and other dignitaries from Karnataka, regardless of political affiliation. He clarified that all other procedures remain governed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams administration.

Shivakumar also paid tributes to senior Indian National Congress (INC) leader and former MP H. Hanumanthappa, describing him as a veteran statesman who had made significant contributions to both Karnataka and the country.

With the CWMA meeting now days away, all eyes are on whether Karnataka will agree to release water — and how much — in a year when reservoir levels and monsoon patterns will shape the final call.