Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) General Secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran has called on the Tamil Nadu government to promptly file a contempt petition against the Karnataka government. This comes in response to alleged unauthorized activities by Karnataka related to the proposed Mekedatu dam project across the Cauvery river. Dhinakaran highlighted that Tamil Nadu farmers visiting the Mekedatu region reported Karnataka’s initiation of survey work and construction activities linked to the long-pending dam project.
These actions, as per Dhinakaran, are being carried out despite legal and regulatory constraints governing the project. He emphasized that Karnataka’s actions are in violation of the Supreme Court’s ruling and the directives of the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA). Dhinakaran further accused the Congress government in Karnataka of consistently delaying the release of Tamil Nadu’s rightful share of Cauvery water, indicating a persistent intent to proceed with the Mekedatu dam construction.
Expressing concern, the AMMK leader noted that these reported activities have raised apprehensions among Tamil Nadu farmers regarding potential adverse impacts on the state’s water security. Despite a unanimous resolution by the Tamil Nadu Assembly against the Mekedatu project, Dhinakaran highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the resolution’s current status. He also criticized the Congress for conflicting stances in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, pointing out the party’s assurances in Tamil Nadu against the dam project while work allegedly progresses in Karnataka.
Dhinakaran urged Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to acknowledge the ineffectiveness of relying on the Tamil Nadu Congress on the Cauvery issue and to take swift legal and political measures. He called for the Chief Minister to file a contempt petition against the Karnataka government in the Supreme Court for breaching judicial directives. Additionally, Dhinakaran appealed to Vijay to personally meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and urge the Union government to prevent approval for the Mekedatu dam project, emphasizing the paramount importance of safeguarding Tamil Nadu’s water rights.
