PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss has taken a strong stance against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s recent statement regarding the construction of the Mekedatu dam, alleging that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin’s silence on the issue is troubling.Siddaramaiah’s assertion, made during an election campaign in Bengaluru South, that the Mekedatu dam will be built if Congress comes to power at the Centre, has drawn sharp criticism from Ramadoss. He condemned Siddaramaiah’s statement as a violation of federal principles and expressed concern over Stalin’s apparent silence on the matter.
Ramadoss emphasized that according to the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal orders and Supreme Court verdicts, no new dam can be constructed across the river. Despite Siddaramaiah’s announcement of plans to build a dam in Mekedatu, Ramadoss noted the absence of opposition or censure from Stalin, who holds the position of Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and is in alliance with the Congress party.
The PMK president argued that Stalin has a responsibility to safeguard Tamil Nadu’s rights and interests, especially concerning vital issues such as water resources management. He accused Stalin of being willing to sacrifice Tamil Nadu’s rights for the benefit of the Congress party, citing historical instances where Tamil Nadu’s interests were allegedly compromised for political reasons.
Anbumani Ramadoss highlighted past incidents, including instances during the tenure of former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, where Tamil Nadu’s rights regarding water resources were allegedly neglected for political gains. He urged Stalin to take a firm stand against the construction of the Mekedatu dam and uphold the rights of Tamil Nadu’s residents.