ISAS Insights

The Mahadayi river water disputes between Karnataka and Goa are likely to have implications for the assembly elections in Karnataka scheduled for April-May 2018. Both the incumbent and the opposition parties are hoping to make electoral gains from the disputes. Some of the candidates are allegedly extending support to the groups calling for a shutdown in Karnataka over the Mahadayi river issues. Constitutionally, a tribunal, which was set up in August 2013 to look into the Mahadayi river water disputes, is expected to deliver its verdict by August 2018.