In the heartlands of southern India, the Cauvery River winds its way through the lush fields of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. It is the lifeblood of these states, sustaining the livelihoods of countless farmers. Yet, what should have been a collective endeavour to ensure water security and prosperity has, over the years, devolved into a sinister political saga. The Cauvery water-sharing issue, once about survival, has become a power struggle – a chance for politicians to wield in