Karnataka CM busy with Cabinet expansion, had no time to meet legal experts on Cauvery issue: BJP State chief B.Y. Vijayendra says ahead of all-party meeting

BJP leaders B. S. Yediyurappa and B. Y. Vijayendra offering prayers at Chamundeshwari temple atop Chamundi Hills in Mysuru, before proceeding to KRS reservoir, on July 31, 2026. | Photo Credit: M A Sriram Even as former chief minister B S Yeddiyurappa urged the government of Karnataka to immediately knock on the doors of the Supreme Court against the ruling by Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) to release 3,500 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for 15 days, his son and State BJP chief B. Y. Vijayendra took exception to convening of an all-party meeting by Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar to discuss the crisis.Speaking to reporters atop Chamundi Hills on July 31, Mr. Vijayendra alleged that the government of Karnataka had released Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu during May and June. “Why are you calling an all-party meeting now after releasing water for the last two months? What purpose will the suggestions of opposition parties serve after water has been released?”Instead of taking steps to conserve water during the months of April and May, the government was preoccupied with internal power struggles. “No attention was paid to water management,” he said.“The Chief Minister, who is busy making efforts to expand the Cabinet, did not have time to meet legal experts on the Cauvery issue,” he claimed.Earlier, Mr. Yediyurappa said the State Government should immediately file an appeal in the Supreme Court and ensure justice to the people of the region. “Already, enough injustice has been done to the people,” he said and pointed out that issuing directions to release water at a time when people do not even have water to drink is akin to a ‘crime’.Mr. Yediyurappa and Mr. Vijayendra spoke to reporters atop Chamundi Hills before proceeding to KRS reservoir, near Mysuru, to stage a protest against any move by the government of Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu. Published - July 31, 2026 12:23 pm IST