Karnataka Bandh Update: This afternoon, Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar shared a major update about the bandh that started today. According to him, the activists decided to call off the Karnataka bandh after an in person meeting.
Karnataka Bandh Update: DK Shivakumar’s Statement
Karnataka chief minister DK Shivakumar recently shared that activists in the state had agreed to withdraw the call for the bandh. All the Kannada activists met me. They have withdrawn their bandh call,” and thanked them, adding, “Today is the first day of the Assembly after I took over as the chief minister. I thank all the activists,” he said. It is important to note that the legislative assembly of Karnataka also started its session from today.
Karnataka Bandh Update: Is the Bandh Still On?
No, the Karnataka bandh has been called off. It was initially supposed to happen from 6 AM to 6 PM on August 13, 2026. But it was called off after CM DK Shivakumar met the activists in person. While protests were reported at several locations earlier in the day, normal life in Karnataka remained unaffected, despite the bandh call.
Karnataka Bandh Update: Demands of the Bandh
The Karnataka bandh was primarily related to the ongoing Cauvery water dispute. The Cauvery Water Management Authority’s recent order directed Karnataka to release 15,000 cusecs of Cauvery water to neighbouring Tamil Nadu. However, Pro-Kannada groups and farmers’ organisations opposed the order, and also demanded progress on the Mekedatu, Mahadayi and Kalasa-Banduri projects.
Karnataka Bandh Update: Activists Response
After calling off the Karnataka bandh, the activists stated they are pausing the agitation because Chief Minister Shivakumar provided concrete assurances that the state government will legally challenge the Cauvery Water Management Authority’s (CWMA) directive. The government plans to file an immediate review petition to protect Karnataka’s local drinking water and agricultural reserves, which was the main demand of the activists.
