Cauvery water release decision after July 15 meeting: Karnataka Chief Minister

File photo of the Cauvery near Dabbaguli, a river destination on the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border.

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday said the government needs to balance the interests of Karnataka farmers, ensure supply of drinking water and follow court directions while taking a decision to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.

Speaking to the media at his Krishna home office, the chief minister said, “The Cauvery Water Management Authority meeting is scheduled on July 15. We will present Karnataka’s case there and then announce our decision.”

Responding to a question regarding Mandya MLA’s demand regarding release of Cauvery water, he said Mandya and Srirangapatna MLA along with the district in-charge minister met him and the government would take a decision after the July 15 meeting.

Responding to questions about the government’s decision regarding the first aarti at the Tirumala temple, the chief minister said, “Since the days of the Mysore maharajas, Karnataka has had the privilege of the first aarti at Tirupati. Until now, an official was given this honour. From now on, elected representatives, judges, government officials and other eligible sildarna mayors, mayors of the Karnataka city of the temple will get this opportunity.”

He clarified that the facility will not be restricted to any political party. “Elected representatives from any party will be eligible as per prescribed guidelines. Our decision is limited to allotment of aarti privilege. All other procedures and regulations will continue to be governed by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams administration and we will not interfere with their rules.”

Monsoon Session from 6th August

The Monsoon Session of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly will be held from August 6. “I will go to Delhi on official work. The party leadership will finalize the plan in the next three to four days,” he said.

Published – 13 Jul 2026 20:54 IST