Congress Leaders Clash Over Mekedatu Dam, Manickam Warns DK Sivakumar - Latest Key Updates

A major political controversy and internal rift have surfaced within the Congress party regarding the construction of the proposed Mekedatu Dam in Karnataka. This high-profile dispute has now come out openly into the public domain. In a sharp and aggressive attack, Congress Lok Sabha MP from Tamil Nadu, Manickam Tagore, has lashed out at Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. Manickam Tagore termed the Mekedatu Dam project as completely against the interests of Tamil Nadu farmers. Tagore demanded that the central government must not grant clearance to the dam and issued a stern warning that the Tamil Nadu Congress will fight to any extent to halt this contentious project.

Manickam Reminds Karnataka CM About Principles of Federalism

Manickam Tagore posted on his official X account stating that it's highly deplorable that Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mysuru, remarked that no one can stop the construction of the dam at Mekedatu and demanded that the central government grant final clearance for it. The Karnataka CM continues to maintain a rigid and stubborn stance, which is a blatant violation of the Supreme Court verdict and the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal. His statement goes entirely against the principles of federalism and destroys the livelihood of Tamil Nadu farmers, while this is completely unacceptable.

Since Tamil Nadu is a lower riparian state in the Cauvery river water sharing arrangement, Karnataka can't unilaterally implement any project that adversely impacts our rights. The central government must not permit the construction of the Mekedatu Dam without the consent of the lower riparian states, while approving the Mekedatu project without Tamil Nadu's concurrence isn't only illegal but will also severely devastate the lives of farmers in the delta districts. It's the bounden duty of the Modi-led central government not to allow Karnataka to place even a single brick for the Mekedatu Dam. On behalf of the Tamil Nadu Congress, we will never allow this project to happen and will fight to any extent to protect our state's rights, said Congress MP Manickam Tagore.

DK Shivakumar Earlier Demanded Fast-Tracking of Legal Approvals

It's worth noting that Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar had, last Friday, urged the central government in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expedite the process of securing necessary legal clearances for the Mekedatu Dam project. The Chief Minister had stated regarding the proposed Mekedatu Dam that the Supreme Court has already pronounced its judgment and the legal position is crystal clear. The Mekedatu Dam has to be built in Karnataka, and no one can stop it. We want you to help us legally and extend your cooperation.

Why is There a Major Controversy Over the Mekedatu Dam Construction?

CM DK Shivakumar had appealed to the central government to grant final legal approvals so that this drinking water project could be taken forward without any further delay. It's important to know that the Mekedatu Dam is proposed to be built across the Cauvery river near Kanakapura, which is the hometown of DK Shivakumar. The primary objective of this project is to cater to the drinking water requirements of Bengaluru city, while also acting as a buffer to ensure adequate water for Tamil Nadu during times of drought. However, Tamil Nadu has been vehemently opposing this project, maintaining the stand that it would cause severe detriment to its farming community. Notably, last Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress CM DK Shivakumar had also traveled together on a metro train ride, displaying cordial chemistry, but the Mekedatu dispute has now exposed deep internal divisions.