The political landscape in Tamil Nadu has witnessed fresh turmoil as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a scathing attack on actor-turned-politician Vijay, accusing him of compromising the state's rights over the Mekedatu dam issue for political gains with the Congress party. The BJP leader alleged that Vijay, through his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has effectively 'mortgaged' Tamil Nadu's water interests by aligning with the Congress, which has historically supported the Karnataka-backed Mekedatu project.
BJP's Strong Allegations
Speaking to reporters, a senior BJP functionary stated, "Vijay's decision to support the Congress for the vacant Rajya Sabha seat is a clear indication of his desperation to remain tied to the grand old party. This alliance comes at the cost of Tamil Nadu's rights over the Cauvery water dispute, particularly the Mekedatu dam project." The BJP leader emphasized that the Congress party's stand on Mekedatu has always favored Karnataka, and Vijay's alignment with them betrays the interests of Tamil Nadu farmers and citizens.
TVK's Rajya Sabha Support Sparks Controversy
The controversy erupted after TVK announced its support for the Congress candidate in the upcoming Rajya Sabha by-election. The BJP slammed this move, calling it a "political surrender" and accusing Vijay of prioritizing party alliances over state interests. "This exposes Vijay's lack of commitment to Tamil Nadu's cause. He is willing to sacrifice our water rights just to gain political mileage from the Congress," the BJP leader added.
Mekedatu Dam: A Contentious Issue
The Mekedatu dam project, proposed by Karnataka across the Cauvery river, has been a flashpoint between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed the project, arguing that it would violate the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal's final award and adversely affect the state's irrigation and drinking water needs. The BJP's criticism of Vijay comes amid growing political polarization over the issue, with regional parties accusing each other of compromising state interests.
Political Fallout
Political analysts view this as a strategic move by the BJP to corner Vijay and the Congress ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. The BJP has been trying to position itself as the defender of Tamil Nadu's interests, especially on water issues. Meanwhile, TVK has defended its decision, stating that the Rajya Sabha support is based on broader national issues and not on state-specific matters. However, the BJP insists that any alliance with the Congress on the Mekedatu issue is a betrayal of Tamil Nadu.
The row is expected to intensify as both sides prepare for a war of words in the coming days, with Vijay's political credibility being questioned by his opponents.
