The stir, hitherto confined to Mandya and other Cauvery basin districts, spread to the country's IT capital with Kannada protagonist organisations holding a spate of protests.
Shops and business establishments in several areas downed shutters and the rallies held in different parts of the city virtually choked vehicular movement.
Protests entered the sixth day in Cauvery basin areas, as a Central study team visited Krishna Raja Sagar and Kabini dams from where water is being released, and some parts of the river basin for assessing the water situation.
Central Water Commission Official Jacob, who is part of the delegation, told reporters in Mysore the team would submit its findings to the Prime Minister by October seven.
Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar said the state's counsel today mentioned before the Supreme Court on its plea seeking review of the September 19 Cauvery River Authority order, asking Karnataka to release 9000 cusecs till October 15.
The court has agreed to hear the petition on October eight, he said, adding, the state has also filed an interim application seeking stay on the CRA order and praying for its modification. "I hope people of Karnataka will get justice."
Several pontiffs, including Balagangadharanath Swamiji, Adichunchanagari Mutt of the Vokkaliga community, who form a big chunk of the population in the Cauvery basin districts, jumped into the stir taking part in the protests in the city.
Influential Pejawar Mutt head Visweshatheertha Swamiji demanded that all ministers and MLAs resign in Karnataka and take a delegation to the Prime Minister.
With several Kannada outfits calling for a statewide bandh tomorrow, security has been beefed up with 80,000 police and other personnel being deployed, Additional Director General of Police, Bipin Gopalakrishna told PTI.(MORE)PTI MSR RS BH BN RA HKS
