Chennai, June 22:
The CPM on Sunday levelled serious allegations against its former ally DMK, accusing it of concealing a letter sent to the Centre seeking the formation of a fresh tribunal to discuss the contentious Mekedatu dam issue.
The party also criticised Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay for accepting an amendment in the Assembly based on the alleged letter without consulting political parties or assessing its implications. Calling out the ruling TVK government’s “lack of experience,” CPM demanded that the amendment be withdrawn when the House reconvenes.
Speaking at a party event in Karaikudi, CPM state secretary P. Shanmugam said the amendment, moved by Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin, was incorporated into the Assembly resolution without informing legislators or floor leaders. He claimed the amendment referred to a letter allegedly written by former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on March 4, 2026, proposing a new tribunal—information that was not shared even during all-party discussions.
Shanmugam argued that such a move weakens Tamil Nadu’s position, especially since the Supreme Court’s 2018 verdict on the Cauvery dispute mandates consent from downstream states for any new construction. He stressed that the state should focus on enforcing the final award and opposing the Mekedatu project.
Further criticising the government, he said the Chief Minister accepted the amendment without consulting legal experts or officials handling the Cauvery issue. Urging caution, Shanmugam said inexperienced administrations must deliberate more on sensitive inter-state matters.
The CPM leader called on the government to treat the episode as a learning experience and revisit the amendment, either withdrawing it or placing it before the Assembly for wider consultation.