Chennai, May 25:
Seeman, chief coordinator of the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), has launched a sharp attack on D. K. Shivakumar over his remarks on the contentious Mekedatu dam project across the Cauvery river, calling them “the height of political arrogance.” He also questioned the silence of C. Joseph Vijay, urging the Tamil Nadu government to respond decisively.
In a strongly worded statement, Seeman accused Karnataka of attempting to assert unilateral control over the Cauvery’s waters, allegedly in violation of long-standing river water-sharing principles. He said Shivakumar’s reported claim—that Tamil Nadu has no right to oppose the Mekedatu project—reflects a dismissive attitude towards interstate agreements and the concerns of downstream states.
Seeman went further to underline the historical and cultural ties between Tamil Nadu and the Cauvery river. He argued that Tamil Nadu’s relationship with the river predates not only the formation of Karnataka as a state but also the evolution of the Kannada language itself. According to him, the Mekedatu project represents a “deceptive strategy” aimed at restricting Tamil Nadu’s rightful share of water.
Raising pointed questions, Seeman asked who, if not the people of Tamil Nadu, has the authority to question developments on the Cauvery. He asserted that the rights of Tamil Nadu farmers and residents must be protected, especially given their dependence on the river for agriculture and livelihood.
Invoking international norms on river water sharing, Seeman emphasized that downstream regions—or tail-end users—are typically accorded greater priority in water allocation. Based on this principle, he argued that Tamil Nadu holds a stronger claim over Cauvery waters than upstream Karnataka.
Condemning the remarks as politically motivated, Seeman urged Chief Minister Vijay to break his silence and formally register Tamil Nadu’s opposition to the Mekedatu dam. He called for a united and assertive stance from the state government to safeguard its water rights and prevent any unilateral moves by Karnataka that could affect millions of people dependent on the river.
The Mekedatu issue continues to remain a flashpoint between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, with political leaders on both sides trading accusations even as concerns over water security intensify.