BJP Accuses Karnataka Government of Secretly Releasing Cauvery Water to Tamil Nadu
Opposition leader R Ashoka alleges KRS reservoir gates were opened at night despite assurances that Karnataka would not release water amid shortages.
BENGALURU, August 16, 2026: Karnataka Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka has accused the Congress government of secretly releasing water from the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) reservoir to Tamil Nadu despite public assurances that no water would be released amid water shortages in the state.
Ashoka made the allegations in a post on X on Independence Day, sharing photographs and videos that he said showed heavy discharge from the reservoir and increased flow in the Cauvery river.
BJP ALLEGATION
Ashoka alleged that the government was releasing Cauvery water during the night while publicly maintaining that Karnataka would not release even a single drop.
He accused Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Water Resources Minister N Chaluvarayaswamy of acting against Karnataka's interests.
The allegations are those of the opposition and have not been established as fact in the source material.
FARMERS AND DRINKING WATER CONCERNS
Ashoka argued that farmers in Mandya, Mysuru and Chamarajanagar were already facing shortages for irrigation.
He also claimed that residents in parts of Karnataka were experiencing difficulties accessing drinking water, making any additional release of Cauvery water a contentious issue.
DEMAND TO STOP RELEASES
The BJP leader demanded that the alleged water releases be stopped immediately.
He warned that the BJP would organise statewide protests if the release of water to Tamil Nadu continued.
WHAT THE GOVERNMENT SAYS
The supplied source contains no response from the Karnataka government or the ministers named in Ashoka's allegations.
Any official explanation regarding the KRS discharge, the quantity of water released and the reason for it would be needed to independently establish the claim.
KEY POINTS
R Ashoka accused the Congress government of secretly releasing Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.
He alleged that KRS reservoir gates were opened at night.
Ashoka said farmers and residents in Karnataka were facing water shortages.
He demanded an immediate halt to the alleged releases.
The BJP warned of statewide protests.
The government's response was not included in the supplied source.
