Cauvery issue: TV artistes join protest; express solidarity

Trinetra Mahanta Shivayogi Swamiji of Bebi Mutt warned of intensified protest in Delhi if the Cauvery River Authority does not revoke its directive on releasing water to Tamil Nadu.

Extending his support by participating in the dharna in front of Visvesvaraya statue in Mandya organised by Raitha Hitarakshana Samiti on Monday, he said each and every one drinking Cauvery water should extend support to the ongoing struggle.

Padayatra

The padayatra led by JD(S) youth wing state vice-president Ashok Jayaram against the SC’s directive began from Mandya on Monday.

Raitha Hitarakshana Samiti president G Madegowda, former MLAs H D Chowdaiah, K T Srikantegowda and others were present.

Television artistes

Smallscreen actors too joined hands with the protesters by participating in the ongoing dharna. Artistes association president Sanjeeva Tagadur, Swapna, Ramesh Pandit, Abhinaya, Manjubhashini, Keshavachandra, Srinath Vasishta and others participated.

Arrest

Meanwhile, police took into custody members of a Kannada forum for allegedly laying siege to post office in city, and later released. While cable operators took out a rally extending their solidarity, senior citizens staged a protest at Gandhi Bhavan. Members of Kadamba Sainya also staged a stir in front of railway station.

Meeting

A delegation of farmers, MPs, MLAs, former MLAs, members of pro-Kannada organisations led by Raitha Hitarakshana Samiti president G Madegowda will meet the Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar on September 25 and request him to stand by his decision of not releasing Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.