Tamil Nadu Congress chief Manickam Tagore criticised Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar over his remarks regarding the proposed reservoir.
Internal disagreements surfaced within the Congress party on Saturday regarding the proposed Mekedatu dam project across the Cauvery River. According to The Tribune, Tamil Nadu Congress chief Manickam Tagore criticised Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar for his recent comments on the project.
The dispute arose after Shivakumar, speaking in Mysuru in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stated that no one could stop the construction of the dam and urged the Central Government to provide final approval. Tagore described the remarks as "condemnable," alleging that the Chief Minister's stance violates the Supreme Court's ruling and the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal’s final award.
Tagore argued that as a lower-riparian state, Tamil Nadu must give consent for any project affecting its water rights. He stated that granting approval without such consent would be illegal and would harm farmers in the delta districts.
Responding to the criticism, Shivakumar said he was "least bothered" by the comments, asserting, "It is my state, my right." He maintained that the Supreme Court has allocated 177 TMC of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu and that building the dam is a way to protect water rights while ensuring that share is met.
Shivakumar suggested the opposition was politically motivated, noting that various parties in Tamil Nadu would likely oppose the project regardless of the Congress party's position. The proposed reservoir in Ramanagara district is intended for drinking water, hydropower, and regulating water supply.
