'Farmers More Important Than Politics': Karnataka CM Shivakumar Appeals For Unity Over Cauvery Water-Sharing

Last Updated:August 02, 2026, 12:59 IST

DK Shivakumar says farmers' interests are more important than politics and reiterates drinking water as the state's top priority during the Cauvery all-party meeting.

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday appealed for political unity over the Cauvery water-sharing dispute, asserting that the interests of the state’s farmers and people were “more important than politics" as he addressed an all-party meeting convened to formulate Karnataka’s strategy on the issue.

The meeting was called after the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) directed Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water daily for 15 days to Tamil Nadu.

Leaders cutting across party lines, former chief ministers, Union ministers, Members of Parliament and senior officials attended the discussions aimed at protecting Karnataka’s interests.

Opening the meeting, Shivakumar said Karnataka had always risen above political divisions whenever the state’s interests were at stake.

“The interests of the farmers and the people of the state are more important than politics."

He said the state had a long-standing tradition of all political parties coming together during crucial moments.

“Our state has a history of all political parties coming together and setting aside political differences to protect the state’s interests."

Shivakumar urged leaders across party lines to continue that tradition as Karnataka prepares its legal and political response in the Cauvery dispute.

‘We Have All Grown Up With The Cauvery Dispute’

The Chief Minister said the Cauvery issue was deeply rooted in Karnataka’s history and was familiar to every generation.

“The Cauvery dispute is not new to any of us."

He added that the issue has shaped public discourse in the state for decades.

“We have all grown up with the Cauvery dispute."

According to Shivakumar, the dispute has been an inseparable part of Karnataka’s political and social landscape, making it essential for all stakeholders to remain united while protecting the state’s interests.

Karnataka Reiterates Stand On Drinking Water

Reaffirming Karnataka’s position before the all-party gathering, Shivakumar said the government would continue to place drinking water needs above every other consideration.

“Our stand is that drinking water must be given the highest priority. I know all of you fully support this stand."

He indicated that ensuring drinking water for the people of Karnataka remains the government’s foremost concern in all discussions relating to the Cauvery river.

CM Thanks Union Ministers, Former Chief Ministers

Shivakumar also acknowledged the support extended by Union ministers and former chief ministers in presenting Karnataka’s case before the Centre.

He said that before the meetings of the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) and the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), he had met Union Ministers CR Patil, Pralhad Joshi and V Somanna, along with former Chief Ministers Basavaraj Bommai and Jagadish Shettar, and briefed them on Karnataka’s position.

“Before the CWRC and CWMA meetings, I met Union Ministers CR Patil, Prahlad Joshi and V Somanna, along with former Chief Ministers Basavaraj Bommai and Jagadish Shettar, and explained the state’s position."

He said they strongly represented Karnataka’s concerns before the Centre.

“They also strongly represented the state’s interests before the Centre. I thank them."

MPs Backed Karnataka Across Party Lines

The Chief Minister further said Members of Parliament from Karnataka had assured him of their support regardless of political affiliation.

“At the meeting of Members of Parliament in Delhi, everyone rose above party lines and assured their support for the state’s interests. I thank them as well."

According to Shivakumar, the bipartisan backing from MPs reflects Karnataka’s united stand on safeguarding its interests in the long-running Cauvery water-sharing dispute.

The all-party meeting is expected to help the state evolve a common legal and political strategy following the CWRC’s latest direction on water release, with Karnataka maintaining that protecting the interests of its farmers and ensuring drinking water availability remain its top priorities.

About the Author

Vani Mehrotra

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has more than 10 years of experience in national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

News india 'Farmers More Important Than Politics': Karnataka CM Shivakumar Appeals For Unity Over Cauvery Water-Sharing

Read More