Cauvery water dispute: Tamil Nadu farmers hold dead rats in mouth, Bengaluru shuts down in protest

A city-wide bandh has been called in Bengaluru, Karnataka, today in protest of the release of Cauvery river water to neighbouring state Tamil Nadu. This protest has garnered support from various quarters, including opposition parties and pro-Kannada groups.

In addition to the city-wide bandh, a wider statewide bandh is scheduled for Friday. The longstanding Cauvery river water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu has resurfaced recently after the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) ordered Karnataka to release 5000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu. Karnataka, citing drought-like conditions and a lack of available water, vehemently opposed this directive.

Protests against the release of water have been taking place in various regions, including Mandya, Udupi, Bengaluru, and other locations. Despite extended support for the bandh from auto drivers, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), and other transport entities, public transportation is expected to operate normally. However, schools, colleges, and educational institutions are anticipated to remain closed during the bandh.

On the other hand in a striking display of protest, a group of Tamil Nadu farmers in Tiruchirappalli held dead rats in their mouths to voice their demands for the release of Cauvery water to their state and to express their discontent with the Karnataka government's stance on the issue.