Mandya: Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy on Sunday reiterated his unwavering commitment to the Mekedatu drinking water project. Speaking to reporters in Mandya, the Lok Sabha member from the Mandya constituency stated that a delegation led by former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda had already submitted a memorandum to the central government seeking approval for the project.
Mekedatu Project: Drinking Water for Bengaluru
Kumaraswamy emphasised that the proposed reservoir is intended solely to meet the drinking water requirements of Bengaluru and surrounding regions. He urged Tamil Nadu to support the initiative, asserting that the project would benefit both states. “Water issues should not be politicised for electoral gains,” he said, calling for a non-partisan approach to interstate water disputes.
The minister also criticised Congress leaders for questioning the commitment of Karnataka MPs on interstate water matters. He alleged that senior Congress figures, including Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, had remained silent on key issues concerning the Cauvery, Upper Bhadra, and Krishna River projects.
Bidadi Township: Opposition to Land Acquisition
Turning to the proposed Bidadi township, Kumaraswamy accused the state government of pursuing policies that threaten fertile agricultural land. Recalling debates during his tenure as chief minister in 2007, he reiterated his opposition to the acquisition of cultivable land. He called on the government to identify barren land for development projects instead.
Questioning the state’s financial management, Kumaraswamy criticised the government’s plans to generate revenue through the sale of corner sites in Bengaluru while carrying a substantial debt burden. He alleged that the ruling dispensation prioritised land monetisation over sustainable development.
NEET-UG Paper Leak: Impact on Students
In a separate statement, Kumaraswamy commented on the NEET-UG paper leaks, saying the resulting uncertainty had deeply affected students and their families. He noted that there have been tragic incidents of students taking extreme steps and stressed that such incidents must never be repeated. Calling for systemic reforms, he urged authorities to learn from past lapses and implement strict safeguards to protect the integrity of competitive examinations.
Kumaraswamy’s remarks come amid ongoing debates over water sharing and development policies in Karnataka. The Mekedatu project, in particular, has been a contentious issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with both states staking claims over the Cauvery River waters.
