Chennai: Strongly condemning Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar's remarks that Tamil Nadu has “no rights” to object to the proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir project across the Cauvery river, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami questioned the silence of Chief Minister Joseph Vijay on the issue. PMK President Anbumani Ramadoss also strongly condemned the Karnataka Deputy CM and urged the Tamil Nadu government to act vigilantly to protect the state’s water rights.
Palaniswami's Strong Reaction
Palaniswami took to social media to register his protest, wondering whether the present “minority government” in Tamil Nadu, which relies on the Congress party, would act firmly to protect delta farmers. He demanded that the state government make its stand clear on the inter-state water dispute. “The Congress government in Karnataka is acting to dilute Tamil Nadu’s rights over Cauvery water, but the Tamil Nadu government remains a mute spectator. The situation remains the same despite a regime change,” Palaniswami said, criticising both the previous DMK administration and the present TVK dispensation.
He labeled the TVK government a ‘Poikkal Kuthirai’ (dummy horse) that cannot function without Congress legislators. Stating that the Cauvery river was a lifeline for 20 districts in the state, Palaniswami said that if Karnataka succeeds in building the dam, it will turn the fertile delta region into a desert.
Anbumani's Condemnation
The row erupted after Shivakumar claimed Tamil Nadu has no standing to object to the project as long as Karnataka ensures the mandated annual release of 177 TMC of water. Rebutting this, Anbumani highlighted the devastating lower-riparian impact the proposed dam would cause. He urged the Tamil Nadu government to take a strong stance and protect the interests of farmers in the Cauvery delta region.
The Mekedatu project has been a contentious issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for years, with Tamil Nadu fearing that the dam would reduce its share of Cauvery water, especially during dry seasons. The matter is currently before the Supreme Court, which is hearing petitions from both states.
