Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has assured that there is no shortage of drinking water in the state. He also said that the government is efficiently managing irrigation needs."There is no problem with drinking water in the state. We have sufficient drinking water, and we are managing irrigation needs effectively," Shivakumar told ANI on Wednesday.Water Issues Discussed at National ConferenceShivakumar attended the second All-India Water Resources Ministers' Conference in Udaipur, where key water-related issues concerning Karnataka were discussed. He said that the Tungabhadra River issue was brought up, and the state wants to build an alternative dam."The concerned ministers held meetings with Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and I personally spoke with Chandra Babu Naidu. We also emphasised the need to remove silt, which is causing significant difficulties in water storage," he said.Shivakumar added that he has requested a meeting with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandra Babu Naidu to further discuss the matter.Mekedatu and Almatti Dam ProjectsTalking about the Mekedatu Dam project, Shivakumar said that the central government must give its opinion on the project since it should benefit both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka."While we may be political opponents, the Mekedatu project must be advantageous for both states," he said.He also spoke about the Almatti Dam on the Krishna River, saying that a gazette notification is still pending. However, related work has already begun and will be carried out in stages.Plans for River InterlinkingThe Karnataka government also discussed plans to interlink the Krishna, Cauvery, and Godavari rivers. Shivakumar said that this would benefit all the states involved.Additionally, the Minor Irrigation Minister presented project proposals worth Rs 14,000 crore. Shivakumar mentioned that MPs have been asked to submit proposals for irrigation projects in their constituencies."Regarding the Upper Bhadra Project, we discussed the current status and were informed about some technical aspects. The Upper Bhadra Project will significantly benefit the state," he said.Clarifies Visit to Isha Yoga CentreShivakumar also addressed speculation about his visit to Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev's Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore."I have already been criticised for my visit to Isha Foundation. I have been invited by Sadhguru, so I will be going there. I am a born Hindu who loves all religions, and it does not mean that I am coming close to the BJP. I have not met Amit Shah at all," he said.He dismissed rumours on social media suggesting that he is aligning with the BJP."I have seen in some of the media and social media, and my friends are calling and asking me whether I am coming close to the BJP. I am a born Congressman, my visit to Maha Kumbh is my belief and I respect all religions. Such speculations do not come even close to me; I don't take BJP's allegations seriously," he said.Inputs from ANI