Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president Manickam Tagore opposed Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's remarks regarding the construction of the dam.
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar asserted on Friday that no one can stop the construction of the Mekedatu dam, according to ANI. Speaking at an event in Mysuru in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shivakumar urged the Centre to help Karnataka secure necessary forest and environmental clearances for the project.
The proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir on the Cauvery River aims to meet Bengaluru’s drinking water requirements and generate hydroelectric power. Shivakumar maintained that the project would ensure Tamil Nadu receives its mandated 177 TMC of water and would benefit regions including Puducherry and Kerala.
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president Manickam Tagore criticised the remarks, calling them deeply condemnable. Tagore, in a post on X, alleged that Shivakumar's statement went against Supreme Court directions and the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal award. He accused the Karnataka government of taking a unilateral position that affects the livelihoods of farmers in Tamil Nadu's delta districts.
Congress MP Jothimani also criticised the remarks, stating that Tamil Nadu is demanding its rightful share of Cauvery water rather than seeking favours. Tagore urged the central government not to grant permission for the dam without the full consent of lower-riparian states.
The Mekedatu project remains a point of contention, as Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed it due to fears regarding water availability for downstream areas.
