Mekedatu Project Sparks War of Words Between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu Congress Leaders

The Mekedatu Dam project has once again triggered a political confrontation between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu Congress chief Manickam Tagore strongly criticised Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar over his remarks that no one could stop the construction of the project. Speaking in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shivakumar had asserted that the project would go ahead. Tagore made it clear that not even a single brick would be allowed to be laid without the consent of the downstream states.

Addressing a gathering attended by PM Modi in Mysuru, Shivakumar said the Supreme Court had delivered a verdict in Karnataka’s favour on the Mekedatu project and urged the Centre to grant the necessary approvals. Tagore rejected Shivakumar’s claim that the dam would not cause any harm to Tamil Nadu, describing it as baseless. He insisted that no construction should be undertaken without the consent of the downstream states and urged the Centre not to grant permission for the project. He also warned that the project could turn the Cauvery delta region into a desert.