Cauvery Row Escalates As TN Farmers Protest, DK Shivakumar Delays Meeting With Vijay

The Cauvery water dispute has intensified after Tamil Nadu farmers staged protests against Karnataka's refusal to release 3,500 cusecs of water despite directions from the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA). Farmer organisations called Karnataka's stand "unconstitutional" and urged the Centre to enforce the authority's order. Amid the growing tensions, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar postponed his proposed August 3 meeting with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, saying the atmosphere was not conducive for talks. Karnataka has said it will first seek legal advice and consult opposition leaders before taking a decision, while defending the Mekedatu project as beneficial to both states.