Senior government officials told CNBC-TV18 that no notification has been issued in the recent past regrading GST rate on packed water bottles. Drinking water packed in 20 litre bottles attracts 12% GST since 25th January 2018 while waters including natural or artificial mineral waters and aerated waters not containing added sugar or sweetening matter nor flavoured attracts 18% GST since the introduction of GST.

Can the state finances absorb such huge expenses? Last year, state fiscal deficits only stood at 2.6 percent of GDP, and most states didn't reach the 3 percent limit allowed to them, but this doesn't take into account unpaid dues to power discoms.

Cauvery Water Dispute: In addition to submitting an application to the Cauvery River Regulatory Committee explaining the water scarcity, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said his government will also approach the Supreme Court.

The dry days due to the Karnataka Assembly elections began on May 8 and continued till May 10 and another dry day will be observed on the counting day on May 13.