Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday, 1 August confirmed that the proposed visit of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay to Karnataka will be rescheduled, citing the charged atmosphere surrounding the ongoing Cauvery water dispute. Speaking to reporters at Mysuru Airport, Shivakumar stressed that any bilateral talks must take place in a peaceful and cordial environment.

Why the Visit Has Been Postponed

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay had proposed visiting Karnataka on 3 August, but Shivakumar said the current climate was not conducive to such an engagement. The Karnataka CM indicated that a new date would be finalised once the situation normalises. 'If the issue can be resolved through dialogue, let it be resolved that way. They should receive what they are entitled to, and we will never stand in the way. Likewise, we should receive what is rightfully ours as per the court's order. Let us hope everyone extends their cooperation. The date for Stalin's visit will be fixed after the situation becomes conducive,' Shivakumar said.

All-Party Meeting Before Any Water Release Decision

On the question of releasing Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, Shivakumar said the Karnataka government would convene an all-party meeting first, consulting former Chief Ministers, political leaders, and legal experts before taking any steps. He noted that senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders B.S. Yediyurappa and B.Y. Vijayendra had been vocal on the issue, while Members of Parliament and Union Ministers had extended support to Karnataka's position in Parliament.

CWMA Directive: 3,500 Cusecs vs Tamil Nadu's 9,000-Cusec Demand

Responding to questions on whether the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) had worked in Karnataka's favour, Shivakumar pointed to the numbers. Tamil Nadu had sought 9,000 cusecs, but the Authority directed Karnataka to release only 3,500 cusecs. He also noted that records showed Karnataka had previously been directed to release as much as 16 TMC of water even before the Board was constituted, implying the current directive represents a relatively more favourable outcome for the state.

Bagina Ritual at Kabini Reservoir Put on Hold

Asked whether he would perform the traditional 'Bagina' offering at the Kabini reservoir — which is expected to reach full capacity imminently — Shivakumar declined, saying the timing was not appropriate. 'Not now. Please wait. Even without doing anything, we are already being targeted,' he remarked. The reservoir's impending full capacity had made the ritual politically sensitive given the ongoing inter-state water row.

Shivakumar's First Visit to Mysuru as Chief Minister

Shivakumar noted that his visit to Mysuru on Saturday was his first to the city since assuming office as Chief Minister. He offered prayers at the Chamundeshwari Temple and paid tribute to the city's historical significance, referencing Swami Vivekananda's message delivered from Mysuru's soil and the contributions of the Mysuru Maharajas to education and culture. He also invoked Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's words — 'One who forgets history cannot create history' — underscoring the occasion's symbolic weight.

The Cauvery dispute remains one of the most politically charged inter-state water conflicts in India, with both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu facing domestic pressure from farmers and opposition parties. How the two Chief Ministers navigate the rescheduled meeting will be closely watched.