An unusual political scenario arose in Tamil Nadu as Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, also officiating as Tamil Nadu’s Governor, delivered the new TVK government’s policy address. The address reiterated Tamil Nadu’s stance against constructing a new Mullaperiyar dam. Governor Arlekar, representing Kerala, stated that the existing dam is safe and any attempts by Kerala to build a new dam would face legal and political opposition.
The policy declaration by the Tamil Nadu government, presented by Governor Arlekar in the Assembly, affirmed the state’s commitment to safeguarding its rights over Mullaperiyar and resisting any efforts to replace the current dam. Kerala, on the other hand, has long advocated for a new dam due to safety concerns associated with the century-old Mullaperiyar structure.
This situation highlights the unique position of a Governor overseeing two conflicting states, obligated to convey the policy decisions of governments with opposing views on an interstate issue. The Governor’s role, as per the constitution, is to articulate the elected government’s policies without expressing personal opinions.
The Mullaperiyar dispute remains a sensitive issue between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, with Tamil Nadu relying on the dam for water supply to its southern regions while Kerala emphasizes safety worries about the aging dam. The recent policy statement from the Vijay-led TVK government signals continuity in Tamil Nadu’s traditional stance on the Mullaperiyar matter despite the change in political leadership.
For Kerala, this development underscores the need to address any future legal or political actions concerning the dam issue in the face of Tamil Nadu’s resolute and unified position.
