Chennai, July 10:
Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin on Thursday expressed concern over Karnataka Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy’s reported remarks that the state would not release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, and called on Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to respond immediately.
Udhayanidhi said the statement had come as a shock to farmers across Tamil Nadu, especially amid ongoing uncertainties over water availability for cultivation. He also referred to reports quoting the Karnataka minister as claiming that Tamil Nadu had not formally requested the release of Cauvery water.
Questioning the State government’s handling of the issue, Udhayanidhi alleged that farmers had already been disappointed over unmet promises such as crop loan waivers. He demanded clarity on what steps the government would take to secure Tamil Nadu’s rightful share of Cauvery water.
“During the entire DMK regime, the Mettur Dam was opened on July 12 every year for kuruvai cultivation. This year, it has not yet been opened,” he said, highlighting the delay and its potential impact on farmers.
He further urged Chief Minister Vijay to take up the matter with the Karnataka government, pointing out that the ruling party in Karnataka is an ally of the TVK government in Tamil Nadu. He stressed that political ties should be leveraged to ensure the timely release of water.
Udhayanidhi also reiterated his demand for an all-party delegation from Tamil Nadu to meet the Union government and oppose Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu dam project, which has been a long-standing concern for the State.
Pointing to data under the Cauvery Water Management Authority’s award, he said Karnataka had not released the mandated 9.91 TMC of water for June. He urged the State government to take immediate and decisive steps to safeguard the interests of Tamil Nadu’s farmers.
The remarks come amid rising political tensions over the Cauvery issue, with pressure mounting on the State government to secure water for the crucial kuruvai cultivation season.