Vijay-DK Shivakumar talks face protest threat as Cauvery water dispute escalates

The Cauvery water dispute has escalated after the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee directed Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days. The directive triggered widespread protests across Karnataka by farmers, pro-Kannada groups, and BJP leaders demanding that water release be stopped due to severe local drought conditions. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar convened high-level and all-party meetings, while pro-Kannada groups staged demonstrations and called for a state bandh.

Concurrently, a proposed meeting between Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay and DK Shivakumar faces potential delays following threats from activist groups. In political reactions, the DMK questioned the visit's intent, while the BJP accused the Karnataka government of betraying local farmers. Additionally, the report outlines the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act Amendment Bill 2026 set for tabling in the Lok Sabha. The proposed legislation seeks to expand central government control over assets created through foreign contributions, allowing provisional takeover if registrations expire or are rejected.