Chennai, May 23:
AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has called on Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to clearly state the Tamil Nadu government’s position on the contentious Mekedatu dam project, following fresh remarks from Karnataka leaders that have reignited the dispute.
In a statement, Palaniswami reiterated that Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed the proposed dam across the Cauvery river, arguing that it would adversely affect the State’s rightful share of water. He accused the Karnataka government of pursuing actions that undermine Tamil Nadu’s long-standing claims over the inter-State river.
The AIADMK leader also took strong exception to comments made by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who reportedly said that Tamil Nadu has no right to oppose the Mekedatu project. Palaniswami said such remarks have triggered widespread anger among farmers and the public in the State.
Emphasising the critical importance of the Cauvery, he noted that the river serves as the lifeline for farmers in the Delta districts and provides drinking water to nearly 20 districts across Tamil Nadu. Warning of serious consequences, he said that the construction of a dam could severely impact water flow and potentially turn the Delta region into a desert.
Reaffirming his party’s position, Palaniswami asserted that the AIADMK would not allow Tamil Nadu’s rights over the Cauvery to be compromised under any circumstances. He urged the State government to take immediate steps to counter Karnataka’s stance and to make its position on the Mekedatu issue unequivocally clear.