A crucial meeting convened by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with the state's Members of Parliament and opposition leaders has been unexpectedly postponed. The meeting, which was slated to address pressing inter-state water disputes, was called off at the last minute, as confirmed by Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president D K Shivakumar.
Key Meeting on Water Disputes Delayed
The postponement marks a temporary halt to the state government's planned strategy session on critical inter-state water sharing issues. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had specifically intended to raise matters concerning the long-pending Mekedatu and Mahadayi river disputes during this gathering. The objective was to forge a unified stance among Karnataka's political representatives before potentially taking the issues to the central government.
Details of the Postponed Agenda
While a new date for the meeting has not been immediately announced, the agenda was clear and significant. The Chief Minister sought to discuss a consolidated approach to advocate for Karnataka's interests in the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project across the Cauvery river and the Mahadayi (Mandovi) river water sharing issue with neighbouring states. These are among the most sensitive and politically charged topics for the state, impacting water security for drinking, irrigation, and power generation.
The meeting was not limited to MPs from the ruling party. It was designed to be an all-party consultation, inviting leaders from the opposition to ensure a bipartisan representation of Karnataka's demands on the national stage. This underscores the strategic importance the state government attaches to these disputes.
Implications and Next Steps
The sudden postponement, announced on December 3, 2025, introduces a pause in the state's coordinated political push on water issues. Such high-level meetings are typically precursors to intensified lobbying with the central government and interventions in parliamentary sessions.
The delay could be tactical, allowing for more groundwork, or logistical, due to the unavailability of key participants. However, it underscores the complex and often protracted nature of resolving inter-state water disputes in India, where political consensus at the state level is the first critical step.
All eyes will now be on the administration to quickly reschedule this pivotal discussion. The state's farmers, residents, and industries await a coherent and forceful advocacy plan from their elected representatives to secure Karnataka's rightful share of water resources.
