Bengaluru, Aug. 2 -- Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday said protecting the interests of the state and its people would remain the government's highest priority as it deals with the Cauvery water-sharing dispute, while appealing to political parties and Kannada organisations not to call for a bandh over the issue.

Addressing reporters after an all-party meeting convened to discuss the Cauvery situation following directions from the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC), Shivakumar described the day as "historic" and said the entire state was closely watching the outcome of the deliberations.

"People across the state are eagerly waiting to know what decision will be take...