Tamil Nadu's major political parties, including the DMK, Congress, NTK, DMDK, and Dravidar Kazhagam, united on Sunday to condemn the Karnataka government's recent statements regarding the proposed Mekedatu dam across the Cauvery river.
Nehru criticizes Karnataka's stance
Former Tamil Nadu minister K N Nehru issued a statement criticizing Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar for announcing plans to submit a fresh detailed project report to the Union government for the dam. Nehru alleged that Shivakumar's remarks reflected an 'arrogant attitude' and suggested that the Karnataka leader believed Tamil Nadu now had a 'weak coalition government' due to the Congress party's involvement in the ruling alliance. Nehru warned that proceeding with the Mekedatu project would constitute a 'betrayal of Tamil Nadu' and reiterated that no construction could occur without Tamil Nadu's knowledge.
Congress MP Tagore raises concerns
Congress MP B Manickam Tagore stated that Karnataka's move to expedite approval for the dam expansion and seek clearance from the Union Cabinet directly assaults Tamil Nadu's riparian rights and the livelihoods of its farmers. He emphasized the threat to the state's water security.
NTK and DMDK join condemnation
NTK chief coordinator Seeman described Shivakumar's remarks as audacious, accusing him of arrogance and deceitful efforts to claim full rights over Cauvery water. DMDK general secretary Premallatha Vijayakant also condemned the statements, calling for Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to hold talks with the Union government and alliance partner Congress to halt the project.
Dravidar Kazhagam warns of desertification
Dravidar Kazhagam president K Veeramani warned that constructing the Mekedatu dam could turn Tamil Nadu into a desert, highlighting the severe consequences for the state's water supply and agriculture.
