Mekedatu Dam Row: A war or words took place between Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay and Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin in the Assembly on Friday on Cauvery water dispute over Karnataka’s
proposed Mekedatu dam, with the two sparring over an all-party meeting and the government’s approach to Karnataka.
While addressing the issue in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Stalin demanded a special attention motion on the Mekedatu issue and called for an all-party meeting, saying it would demonstrate Tamil Nadu’s unity on the contentious project.
“All I ask for is an all-party meeting. Karnataka government is constantly holding all-party meetings. Why isn’t our government doing so?” Udhayanidhi asked.
He further accused the Vijay-led government of hesitating to convene an all-party meeting despite Karnataka putting up a united front on the issue.
“Karnataka convened an all-party meet. For their rights, they have united as a single team,” he said, questioning why the Tamil Nadu government was not doing the same.
He also questioned the reported proposal for Vijay to visit Bengaluru and hold talks with the Karnataka government.
Udhayanidhi alleged that the government had first leaked the plan and later backed away after it drew criticism.
“This government is following a new technique. They themselves leak something and when it becomes controversial, they stop it,” he said.
Vijay’s ‘Don’t Want Cheap Politics’ Retort
Responding to the Leader of Opposition, the Chief Minister defended his government’s position and said Tamil Nadu had already made its stand clear on Mekedatu.
He pointed out that the Assembly had passed a resolution against the proposed dam and that he had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi opposing the project.
“There is no need to convene an all-party meeting. Please do not play politics on the Mekedatu dam issue. Whatever our stand may be, we have expressed it through a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Our government will not compromise on its rights regarding the river water issue or the Mekedatu dam issue. I do not want to indulge in cheap politics by bringing up past history. Do not think about who will gain politically or who will take credit for this issue.”
Vijay also said he did not want to indulge in “cheap politics” by bringing up past political developments. He maintained that his government would not compromise on Tamil Nadu’s rights over the Cauvery waters.
“We know what needs to be done regarding the Cauvery issue, but you are politicising the matter… We are firmly committed to pursuing the Cauvery issue through legal means,” he added.
Why Not Talk To Karnataka, Says Vijay
Vijay defended his proposal to visit Karnataka, saying there was nothing wrong with attempting a dialogue with the neighbouring state.
“When hostile countries are trying to solve issues through talks, I thought of having talks with our neighbouring state,” Vijay said.
He added that he was prepared to face criticism or even humiliation if it helped protect Tamil Nadu’s interests.
“Even if that happened, I am ready to get humiliated for the people of Tamil Nadu,” he said.
Vijay said his government’s approach would remain centred on legal action but that he had considered talks because there could be a possibility of finding a positive outcome.
EPS Also Raises Cauvery, Crop Loss
AIADMK leader and former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami also moved a special attention motion on the Cauvery water issue.
He also raised the issue of Kuruvai farmers who had suffered crop losses due to drought and sought relief and compensation for them.
Meanwhile, Minister Raj Mohan said a similar resolution had been passed in the Assembly in 2018 and stressed that an all-party meeting could bring all political voices together for the benefit of Tamil Nadu.
What Is The Mekedatu Dam Project?
Mekedatu is a multi-purpose (drinking water and power) project proposed by Karnataka, which involves building a balancing reservoir near Kanakapura in Ramanagara district (now renamed as Bengaluru South district).
The project, once completed, is aimed at ensuring drinking water supply to Bengaluru and neighbouring areas; it can also generate 400 MW of power, and the estimated cost of the project is Rs 9,000 crore (at 2019 rates), according to Karnataka officials.
Karnataka argues that the reservoir is primarily meant to provide drinking water to Bengaluru and surrounding regions while also generating hydroelectric power. The state has repeatedly maintained that the project will not affect Tamil Nadu’s allocated share of Cauvery water.
Tamil Nadu, however, has consistently opposed the project. Its argument is that any additional storage structure upstream could potentially impact water flows to farmers in the Cauvery delta. The state has cited both the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal award and Supreme Court orders while opposing the project.
