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

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday said his government is open to discussions with Tamil Nadu over the long-standing Cauvery River water-sharing dispute. Shivakumar said Karnataka is willing to engage with all stakeholders to find solutions on issues concerning the river dispute while also commenting on the Centre’s move to discuss concerns related to the education system following nationwide protests over NEET examination irregularities.

Speaking to reporters after attending a CEOs’ breakfast meeting ahead of the Bengaluru Tech Summit, Shivakumar said the state government was ready to communicate and work with other states on matters of mutual interest. Responding to questions about a letter reportedly sent by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay regarding the Cauvery issue, he said he did not want to disclose the contents of the communication at this stage.

Sources indicated that discussions between the two Chief Ministers are being considered amid renewed focus on the Cauvery dispute. The proposed talks are expected to cover important issues, including Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir project. If the meeting takes place, it would mark a rare instance of direct discussions between the Chief Ministers of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu on the decades-old water-sharing dispute.

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According to reports, the Tamil Nadu government has sought a meeting with Shivakumar, and the Karnataka Chief Minister has reportedly invited his Tamil Nadu counterpart for discussions in Bengaluru on August 3. However, it remains unclear whether the invitation has been formally accepted. Earlier governments in Tamil Nadu have maintained that the Cauvery dispute was already addressed through decisions of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and the Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, Shivakumar welcomed the Centre’s decision to discuss concerns related to the education system following protests over NEET examination issues. He said it was encouraging that the central government had come forward to hold discussions on educational reforms and added that the focus should remain on protecting the future of students and young people.

The Karnataka Chief Minister said his government would continue working to safeguard the interests of the state while maintaining dialogue and cooperation with neighbouring states. The latest remarks come as both the Cauvery dispute and concerns over examination reforms remain important issues involving state and central authorities.

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