Cauvery water dispute: Sandalwood voices its concern and seeks justice for Karnataka

It all started with the CWMA directing Karnataka to release 5,000 cusecs of Cauvery water per day to Tamil Nadu until 27 September.

BySouth First Desk

Published Sep 21, 2023 | 2:09 PMUpdatedSep 21, 2023 | 2:15 PM

Sandalwood actors react to Cauvery river dispute

After facing criticism for staying mum on the Cauvery water dispute, Sandalwood has finally started reacting. Senior and star Kannada actors took to various social media accounts to voice their concerns on the matter.

It all started with the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) directing Karnataka to release 5,000 cusecs of Cauvery water per day to Tamil Nadu until 27 September.

Soon, protesters took to the streets to question the injustice meted out to Karnataka, and in no time, they even sought to know why no one from the Kannada film industry, especially star actors, had chosen to remain silent on the matter.

Actors-turned-politicians react

Senior actress-turned-politician Sumalatha Ambareesh, who is the sitting MP from Mandya Lok Sabha Constituency, met Union Minister for Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and brought to his notice Karnataka’s point of view.

She even expressed her concern that the latest CWMA order puts the farmers and the people of Karnataka in grave danger as it might result in scarcity of drinking water.

Kannada actor and Rajya Sabha MP (BJP) Jaggesh said he expressed his support in favour of the farmers of Karnataka at the all-party meeting called by the State government. He added that he would continue to do so.

Actor-politician Nikhil Gowda, the son of former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, hit out at the State Congress party for failing to protect the interests of the State by agreeing to release the Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.

Related: CWMA orders Karnataka to release Cauvery water to TN

Anant Nag

Actor Anant Nag

Actor Anant Nag. (X)

Senior Kannada actor Anant Nag said, “As always, the Tamil Nadu government reignited the Cauvery water dispute, especially when rain has been scarce in Karnataka.”

“For several decades, either DMK or the AIADMK governments have constantly brought up the Cauvery river water dispute by giving an impression to its people that Karnataka has not released enough water to the State,” he noted.

Karnataka has been facing the brunt since the British rule and met with injustice in the case of the Cauvery water share, the actor pointed out.

“Karnataka is being misunderstood by them as if it is Pakistan or Sri Lanka. The issue is getting escalated every now and then. They do not come forward for talks but unitedly approach the Central government and get things done. The water they ask for is for agricultural and industrial purposes while Karnataka is facing scarcity of drinking water,” he added.

Darshan

Challenging Star Darshan was amongst the first to react. On X, he said there has been a continuous attempt to get more water by cutting down on the share of Cauvery water for Karnataka.

He wrote: “With the scarcity of rain, farmers are already facing problems with damages to irrigated land. Hence, a statistical analysis be made to do justice to the people and farmers of Karnataka.”

Kiccha Sudeep

On X, Kiccha Sudeep reiterated that he stands by Karnataka on issues pertaining to land, water, and culture.

He hoped that the Congress government, which came to power in the State with a good majority, would protect the interests of all Kannadigas. “Experts should be pressed in for justice in the matter.”

The star actor, during the latest Karnataka State Assembly elections, supported former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai and the BJP candidates.

Shivanna

Dr Shiva Rajkumar put out a video message where he shared that farmer is considered the backbone of a nation and the backbone of farmers in Karnataka is Cauvery.

“Our farmers are already in difficult times due to scarcity of rain. In such a scenario, leaders from both the state and also the courts should take into account all aspects to find a peaceful solution in the matter,” the Kannada star actor noted.

Related: Unraveling the century-old Cauvery river dispute

Pooja Gandhi and Sapthami Gowda

Mungaru Male (2006)-fame Pooja Gandhi observed the officials concerned should be invited to the KRS Dam near Mandya for inspection and that a strong case be presented seeking justice for the Karnataka farmers where even drinking water became scarce for the people.

Kantara-fame Sapthami Gowda also voiced her concern and supported Karnataka.

Kantara maker Rishab Shetty, Rakshit Shetty, Dhananjaya, and Duniya Vijay, too, extended their support to Karnataka and sought justice for the State.

After meeting the Union Minister for Jal Shakti in New Delhi, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the former reacted positively to their plea.

However, the Supreme Court on Thursday, 21 September, refused to interfere with the CWMA order.

Related: SC endorses CWRC, CWMA decision on allocating Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu