Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday said the state government will challenge the order directing the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, citing concerns over inadequate rainfall and water availability in Karnataka. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Shivakumar said the government is exploring legal options to seek immediate relief against the decision issued by the Cauvery Water Regulatory Authority (CWRA).

The Chief Minister said Karnataka has already held discussions with Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy and senior officials regarding the next course of action. He pointed out that the CWRA had earlier rejected Tamil Nadu’s requests for additional water releases on two occasions but has now directed Karnataka to release a specified quantity of water. He said the government is preparing to file an appeal against the order.

Shivakumar said the state’s Advocate General, legal experts, and government officials are examining whether the appeal should be filed before the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) or the Supreme Court. He added that the government has left the decision on the appropriate legal forum to the experts while seeking urgent intervention in the matter.

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The Cauvery Water Regulatory Committee (CWRC) has directed Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water per day from July 29, 2026, following Tamil Nadu’s demand for the pending June and July water allocations. The order requires the release to continue for 15 days, amounting to a total of around 4 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft) of water.

After returning to Bengaluru, Shivakumar said he would meet Opposition leaders to discuss the Cauvery issue and work towards a collective approach. He also addressed the controversy over alleged police firing on student protesters in Delhi, backing Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s remarks and questioning the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Shivakumar said policing in Delhi comes under the jurisdiction of the Union government and called on the Union Home Minister to provide clarification. Responding to questions about the Karnataka Cabinet expansion, he said discussions had taken place with party leadership but that the final round of consultations was yet to be completed. He added that further decisions would be taken after receiving directions from senior leaders.

Also Read: Karnataka CM Says Ready To Discuss Cauvery Issue With Tamil Nadu Leader