Tamil Nadu CM Vijay defers Bengaluru visit on Shivakumar's request amid Cauvery tensions

Bengaluru: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has agreed to Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar's request to postpone his proposed visit to Bengaluru for talks on the Cauvery water-sharing dispute. The two leaders had planned to meet on August 3 in Bengaluru.

The visit was deferred after the CM conveyed that the prevailing atmosphere in Karnataka was not conducive for discussions following the Cauvery Water Management Authority's (CWMA) directive asking the state to release 3,500 cusecs of water to TN for 15 days. The order had triggered protests by pro-Kannada organisations, prompting the Karnataka government to convene an all-party meeting on Sunday.

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The CM said Vijay had accepted the request in the interest of maintaining cordial relations between the two neighbouring states.

"I have great respect for him. Though he may be new to politics, he is a courageous leader. I congratulated him on his decision. He wanted to come to Karnataka, but I requested that we meet in a more cordial atmosphere because I do not want anyone raising slogans against my friends. We should respect each other, live together and work together. Ultimately, India is one," Shivakumar said.

The CM rejected allegations that he was acting in TN's interests and said his government remained committed to protecting Karnataka's interests while maintaining cordial ties with the neighbouring state.

"Our responsibility is to safeguard Karnataka's interests. At the same time, we must maintain good relations with our neighbouring state. Ultimately, we are one," he said.