The politically sensitive verdict comes just months before the Karnataka Assembly elections, boosting the ruling Congress' prospects. While the verdict sparked celebrations in Karnataka, in Tamil Nadu there was criticism of the verdict across the political spectrum. Aspiring politician-cum-superstar Rajinikanth described the court decision as "very disappointing" as it will affect the livelihood of farmers. He also asked the Tamil Nadu government to file a review petition against the decision. Actor Kamal Haasan also sought a review of the apex court decision and called for calm in the state and advised judicious use of water.
Mandya farmers to wait & watch
The Supreme Court judgement on the Cauvery dispute has received mixed response from the people of the Cauvery catchment area, especially farmers from Mandya and Mysuru for whom the river is a lifeline. While the farmers distributed sweets in Srirangpatna, Maddur, Mandya, Pandavapura and Srirangpatna as the state will now have to release 14.5 TMC of water to neighbouring Tamil Nadu and they can expand their irrigation area, officers of the Krishna Raja Sagar dam (KRS), including its executive engineer, Basavarajegowda rushed with bouquets and sweets to the house of Cauvery Hitharakshna Vedike head, Madegowda to celebrate the verdict..
