Tamil Nadu Congress slams Karnataka CM D K Shivakumar over Mekedatu remarks, vows to protect Cauvery rights

Reacting to Shivakumar's remarks made in Mysuru in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tagore accused the Karnataka Chief Minister of adopting a confrontational approach that disregarded the Supreme Court's rulings and the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal.

Shivakumar had reportedly asserted that the Mekedatu dam would be constructed regardless of opposition and urged the Union Government to grant final approval for the project.

Describing the statement as unacceptable, Tagore argued that Karnataka could not unilaterally undertake a project affecting the water rights of downstream states. He maintained that the proposed dam threatened the livelihoods of millions of farmers, particularly those dependent on Cauvery irrigation in Tamil Nadu's delta districts.

The Congress leader insisted that the Union Government should not grant permission for the Mekedatu project without the consent of downstream states, particularly Tamil Nadu. He claimed that proceeding without such approval would violate established legal principles governing interstate river-water sharing.

"It is the responsibility of the Modi government to ensure that Karnataka is not allowed to lay even a single brick for the Mekedatu dam," Tagore declared.

He further asserted that the Tamil Nadu Congress would never accept the project and would pursue every possible democratic and legal avenue to safeguard the state's interests.

Tagore also announced that he would visit Thanjavur to discuss the issue in greater detail, highlighting the concerns of farmers in the Cauvery delta region.

The controversy has exposed differences between the Congress leaderships in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, despite their shared political affiliation. While Karnataka maintains that Mekedatu is essential for drinking water supply and power generation, Tamil Nadu has consistently expressed concerns about its potential impact on downstream water availability.

Reaffirming his party's position, Tagore said Tamil Nadu would remain united in defending its Cauvery rights and would not compromise on the interests of its farmers.

The renewed confrontation places the contentious Mekedatu project back at the centre of interstate relations, with the Union Government facing competing demands from the two neighbouring states.