Kannada activists withdraw Karnataka bandh call after meeting CM DK Shivakumar
BENGALURU: Karnataka chief minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday said Kannada activists had withdrawn their bandh call after meeting him, as the state Assembly began its proceedings.CM Shivakumar said representatives of Kannada organisations had met him and subsequently decided to withdraw the bandh, news agency ANI reported.“All the Kannada activists met me. They have withdrawn their bandh call,” Shivakumar said.The CM also pointed out that Thursday was the first day of the Assembly session since he took charge as chief minister.The bandh call was linked to the ongoing Cauvery water-sharing dispute, with pro-Kannada organisations opposing directions related to the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.Kannada organisations had called for protests across Karnataka, with demonstrations planned at several locations, including toll plazas and major highways.The Cauvery issue has remained politically sensitive in Karnataka, with farmers’ and Kannada organisations repeatedly expressing concerns over water availability for drinking and irrigation within the state.Earlier, protests were reported at several locations amid the bandh call, and police deployed additional personnel as a precaution.In rural areas of Bengaluru, police had also taken preventive measures to maintain law and order, particularly along routes connecting Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, ANI reported.The organisations had maintained that they were not opposed to sharing Cauvery water but had sought measures to address Karnataka’s own water requirements.Their demands included implementation of the Mekedatu project and steps to strengthen the state’s water resources.The bandh call was withdrawn following the meeting between Kannada activists and the chief minister.The development came as the Karnataka Legislative Assembly began its proceedings, with the state government facing issues related to water management, governance and the demands of various groups.(With agency inputs)
