Senior BJP leader and Karnataka Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka criticized Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for his silence following opposition from Tamil Nadu Congress on the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project. Ashoka accused Shivakumar of using the project for political gain before the elections but now avoiding the issue due to political pressures.
Ashoka challenged Shivakumar to respond to Tamil Nadu Congress’s objections firmly, questioning his commitment to the welfare of Kannadigas. He alleged that the Chief Minister’s reluctance to address the issue was influenced by alliance politics and directives from the Congress party’s high command.
The BJP leader accused the state government of lacking the political will to implement the Mekedatu project, claiming that the Congress party had only used it as an election tool. Ashoka asserted that the electorate would hold the Congress government accountable for what he deemed a betrayal over the Mekedatu issue.
CM Shivakumar expressed readiness to discuss the Mekedatu project with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the interests of both states’ residents over political considerations. He highlighted the significance of water resources for irrigation, drinking, and industrial purposes, emphasizing the shared dependency on river waters.
The Mekedatu reservoir dispute revolves around Karnataka’s proposal to construct a reservoir and drinking water project on the Cauvery River, facing strong opposition from Tamil Nadu. Karnataka argues that the project is crucial for providing water to Bengaluru and generating hydropower, while Tamil Nadu fears its impact on Cauvery delta farmers and the tribunal’s water-sharing award.
