Congress vs Congress over Mekedatu: Tamil Nadu leaders slam DK Shivakumar’s dam push; question PM Modi's silence

The political confrontation between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over the proposed Mekedatu dam has intensified, with Tamil Nadu Congress chief Manickam Tagore questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence after Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar asserted that no one could stop the project.

Tagore accused Shivakumar of making an unacceptable statement in the Prime Minister’s presence and said Modi should have intervened to protect Tamil Nadu’s interests in the Cauvery water dispute.

He also called on political parties in Tamil Nadu to put aside their differences and unite against the proposed project.

The fresh row follows Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s appeal to the Centre during an event in Mysuru on Friday, attended by Prime Minister Modi, to expedite the pending clearances for the Mekedatu balancing reservoir. The Karnataka leader maintained that the project was the state’s right and said his government would not compromise on its interests.

‘PM must not betray Tamil Nadu’: Tagore

Speaking to reporters in Thanjavur on Saturday, Tagore strongly objected to Shivakumar’s assertion that the dam would be constructed, questioning why the Prime Minister had not responded to the remarks.

“On behalf of the entire Tamil community, we strongly condemn Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s statement that the Mekedatu dam will be constructed. His remarks are highly condemnable, and I strongly condemn the Karnataka Chief Minister,” he said.

Tagore said Modi, as the Prime Minister of the entire country, had a responsibility to intervene in the matter rather than remain silent.

“The Prime Minister should have responded to Shivakumar’s remarks. His failure to respond is condemnable and raises serious concerns. The Prime Minister is the Prime Minister of the entire country and must not betray Tamil Nadu on the Cauvery issue,” he said.

He also argued that only the Centre had the authority and political leverage to prevent Karnataka from proceeding with a project that could affect the flow of Cauvery water downstream.

Tagore insisted that the Centre must not grant permission for the dam’s construction and described the Karnataka Chief Minister’s position as a matter of concern for Tamil Nadu.

Shivakumar defends Karnataka’s right to build dam

Responding to the opposition from Tamil Nadu, Shivakumar reiterated Karnataka’s commitment to the Mekedatu project, saying the state would proceed in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directives.

Speaking to reporters at the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, he asked Tamil Nadu to send an all-party delegation to Karnataka so that he could explain the project’s benefits.

“The Mekedatu project is Karnataka’s right, and it is our duty to implement it in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directive. Instead of opposing the move, Tamil Nadu should send a delegation so I can explain the benefits they stand to gain from it. We will not back down at any stage when it comes to safeguarding the interests of our state,” he said.

Shivakumar maintained that Karnataka would protect Tamil Nadu’s allocated share of 177 TMC of Cauvery water while pursuing its own interests.

“The Supreme Court has clearly defined their 177 TMC entitlement. Delivering the water owed to them is our duty. We will build the dam and ensure they receive their share,” he said, inviting Tamil Nadu representatives for discussions.

He also dismissed the opposition to the project as politically motivated, arguing that the construction of the reservoir and the release of water were both Karnataka’s right and responsibility.

Stalin calls for all-party meeting in Tamil Nadu

The dispute has also prompted DMK president and former Chief Minister MK Stalin to seek a united political response from the Tamil Nadu government.

In a letter to Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Saturday, Stalin urged him to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the state’s next steps against the proposed dam.

Stalin said Shivakumar’s assertion that no one could stop the construction of the Mekedatu dam, made in the presence of Modi, had caused concern among farmers in Tamil Nadu.

He proposed that leaders of political parties and all-party MPs from the state jointly meet the Prime Minister and submit the resolutions adopted at the proposed meeting, along with the Tamil Nadu Assembly’s unanimous resolution against the project passed in June.

Stalin also reiterated that Tamil Nadu should pursue its Cauvery water rights through legal channels rather than negotiations with Karnataka.

Why is the Mekedatu project contentious?

The proposed Mekedatu project is a multi-purpose balancing reservoir across the Cauvery river in Karnataka. It is intended to meet Bengaluru’s drinking water requirements and generate hydroelectric power.

However, Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed the project, arguing that it could affect the availability of Cauvery water for downstream regions, particularly agricultural communities in the state’s delta districts.

The Tamil Nadu government has already approached the Supreme Court challenging the proposed project, and the matter remains sub judice.

Tagore has maintained that Karnataka cannot unilaterally proceed with a project affecting Tamil Nadu’s water rights.

He has also urged Chief Minister Vijay to remain vigilant and pursue all available legal measures to prevent its construction.

Meanwhile, Shivakumar has maintained that Karnataka will fulfil Tamil Nadu’s water entitlement while going ahead with the reservoir, setting the stage for another round of confrontation between the two neighbouring states.

(with ANI inputs)