The state of Karnataka, particularly Bengaluru, is grappling with a severe water crisis due to a once-in-a-decade drought, causing borewells to run dry and water tankers to be regulated amidst skyrocketing prices. The situation has led to an interstate feud, with the BJP accusing the Congress government in Karnataka of diverting Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, where the Congress is in an alliance with the DMK.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar described the situation as the grimmest in the last 30–40 years, with nearly half of Bengaluru's borewells defunct. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that 98 out of 236 taluks in the state are facing a drinking water crisis, and major reservoirs have seen water levels dip below the decadal average.
The BJP has accused the Congress government of mismanaging Cauvery water to appease its alliance partner in Tamil Nadu, leading to a renewed dispute over the sharing of Cauvery water. BJP leader Tejasvi Surya alleged that Cauvery water was being diverted to Tamil Nadu, neglecting the interests of Karnataka residents.
In response, the Karnataka government denied the allegations, with Deputy CM Shivakumar asserting that no Cauvery water would be released to Tamil Nadu. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah dismissed the claims as "lies" and emphasized prioritizing water for Karnataka's consumption.
The AIADMK in Tamil Nadu condemned both the BJP and the Congress for dragging Tamil Nadu into Karnataka's water crisis. AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami criticized the Congress for neglecting Tamil Nadu's rights over Cauvery water and urged the state government to take legal measures to preserve its rights.
The ongoing water crisis in Karnataka has reignited the age-old dispute over the Cauvery River's water, highlighting the sensitive nature of interstate water-sharing issues. Despite the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal's verdict in 2007, disagreements persist, exacerbating tensions between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
