Tamil Nadu CM Faces Opposition over Bid for Cauvery Talks with Karnataka

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s proposal to hold bilateral talks with Karnataka to resolve the long-standing Cauvery river water-sharing dispute has sparked criticism from farmers’ organizations and opposition parties in the state. Vijay is scheduled to meet Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar in Bengaluru on August 3 to find an amicable solution to the contentious issue.

The move has drawn comparisons with former Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran, who held direct talks with Karnataka in the late 1970s and 1980s. According to sources, MGR’s personal rapport with Karnataka leaders and his unconventional visits helped secure the timely release of Cauvery water outside the judicial process.