Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has said he will request Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay to postpone his visit to Bengaluru and that the atmosphere should be favourable and that the visit should not cause discomfort or pain to anyone.
“I’ll ask Vijay that we meet on another date. The atmosphere needs to be good. We should not cause pain to anyone. If a guest comes, we should treat him well,” Shivakumar said when asked about Vijay’s visit.
The Chief Minister said that the Karnataka government had already prepared for Vijay’s expected arrival on August 3. However, he said he would ask the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to postpone the visit and choose another date.
The statement comes at a time when Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are in the middle of high political tension as it relates to Cauvery water sharing. The two neighbouring states are currently in the midst of renewed talk over the release of Cauvery water, and political leaders and farmers’ groups in Karnataka are worried about the impact of water releases on the agriculture and drinking-water needs of the state.
Shivakumar’s remarks suggest that the Karnataka government is trying to avoid a high-profile political visit at a time of heightened public and political sensitivity.
“The atmosphere needs to be good,” the Chief Minister said, suggesting that the timing of the visit should be reconsidered so that the guest is received in a welcoming and positive environment.
He also stressed hospitality and said visitors should be treated with respect. “When a guest arrives, we should treat them very well,” Shivakumar said.
The Karnataka government had worked out preparations for Vijay’s arrival on August 3. This reflects the administration’s readiness to host the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and provide the appropriate arrangements for the scheduled visit.
The postponement, however, will hurt the official programme. The two leaders could decide to set a new date after discussions with their governments.
The visit is a political point of interest since the Cauvery water dispute is once more a big political debate. Karnataka has been criticized and protested in recent days over releasing water to Tamil Nadu, and political leaders have raised the alarm about protecting the state.
The Cauvery issue has always been a sensitive one in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Water releases are often seen to provoke political tension and public protests when reservoir storage, rainfall, and the needs of farmers are discussed.
However, Shivakumar’s comments suggest the government is considering the general public mood before visiting. The decision to ask for a postponement seems to be to make sure that we can remain peaceful and the visiting leader is given a warm welcome.
The Chief Minister also makes it clear that cooperation between states is important, as they are frustrated with water-sharing and other regional issues.
If the visit is postponed, officials may work to finalise a mutually convenient date. The Karnataka government should then inform the Tamil Nadu leadership of the revised schedule.
The development is likely to remain under close watch as political parties and the public wait for Vijay's decision on whether he will skip the date of the August 3 visit.
Shivakumar has made it clear that although preparations were already in place, he would request Vijay to meet on another date so that the visit can take place in a positive atmosphere and the guest can be welcomed with proper hospitality.
