The decades-old Cauvery water dispute once again dominated proceedings in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Friday after a sharp confrontation broke out between Chief Minister Vijay and Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin over Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu dam project.
The issue triggered an intense political exchange, with the Opposition accusing the state government of not taking sufficient steps to counter Karnataka’s plans, while the Chief Minister maintained that Tamil Nadu had already conveyed its firm opposition to the Centre and saw no need for further political meetings.
Opposition Questions Government’s Strategy
Raising the matter during the Assembly session, Udhayanidhi Stalin said Karnataka was actively moving ahead with the Mekedatu project and urged the Tamil Nadu government to demonstrate a united political stand to safeguard the state’s interests.
He pressed the government to convene an all-party meeting, arguing that such a collective approach would send a stronger message against the proposed reservoir. Stalin also sought clarification over reports suggesting that Chief Minister Vijay could visit Karnataka amid the ongoing dispute.
Vijay Says State’s Position Is Already Clear
Responding to the criticism, Chief Minister Vijay asserted that the government had already taken all necessary steps by passing an Assembly resolution opposing the Mekedatu project and formally communicating Tamil Nadu’s objections to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He maintained that the state’s stand had been clearly conveyed and dismissed the demand for an all-party meeting, urging political parties not to politicise an issue linked to Tamil Nadu’s water rights. Vijay reiterated that his government would firmly protect the state’s share of Cauvery water and would not compromise on the matter.
Visit To Karnataka Put On Hold
The debate comes amid reports that Vijay’s proposed visit to Karnataka has been deferred following concerns over heightened tensions surrounding the Cauvery issue. Karnataka leaders are understood to have suggested postponing the visit until the situation becomes more conducive for discussions between the two states.
Mekedatu Project Remains Flashpoint
The Mekedatu project has remained one of the most contentious issues between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for years. Karnataka proposes to construct a balancing reservoir across the Cauvery River to strengthen Bengaluru’s drinking water supply and generate hydroelectric power.
Tamil Nadu, however, has consistently opposed the project, arguing that it could adversely affect downstream water availability and disrupt the existing Cauvery water-sharing arrangement. With both states maintaining opposing positions, the Mekedatu dispute continues to be one of the most sensitive inter-state river conflicts in southern India.
