Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], November 14 (ANI): In a sharp counter to Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s assertive stance on the Mekedatu project, Congress MP S Jothimani on Saturday said the people of Tamil Nadu will never surrender their rights over the Cauvery river, terming it the state’s “life and livelihood.”
CM Shivakumar had earlier asserted that “no one can stop the construction of a dam at Mekedatu,” reigniting the long-standing inter-state dispute between the two riparian neighbours.
Reacting strongly to the statement, Jothimani urged the Karnataka leadership to understand the ground reality and sensitivities involved.
“We will not give up our right. The Karnataka leadership should understand that we, the people of Tamil Nadu, will not give up our rights over Cauvery because it is our life and livelihood,” she told ANI.
Emphasising the shared rights over the river basin, the Karur MP noted that established judicial frameworks govern the distribution of Cauvery waters among Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and the Union Territory of Puducherry.
“We, the people of Tamil Nadu, have the right over Cauvery, the same as Karnataka. Water has to be shared between the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Puducherry. There are clear guidelines and a clear judicial setup in place. Therefore, the Government of Karnataka has to respect it. There is no point in trying to create a dispute every other time,” she stressed.
Questioning Karnataka’s track record of adhering to judicial verdicts, Jothimani further pointed out that Tamil Nadu has already moved the apex court to protect its interests.
“Tamil Nadu has gone for an appeal. The Supreme Court said so many things in the past, in favour of Tamil Nadu. Did the Karnataka government respect the judgment? No. So, why are they suddenly quoting the Supreme Court judgment now? The orders are very clear, in favour of Tamil Nadu. So, we will pursue that judgment. Why are they suddenly making a different issue out of it?” she asked.
Jothimani’s remarks come after Shivakumar, earlier today, reiterated his commitment to construct the Mekedatu dam, declaring that the project is a state right and asserting that the state will not back down from safeguarding its interests.
Speaking to the media at the Vidhana Soudha premises, Shivakumar emphasised that Tamil Nadu, instead of opposing this move, should send a delegation to Karnataka so he can explain the benefits the neighbouring state stands to gain from the project.
“The Mekedatu project is Karnataka’s right, and it is our duty to implement it in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directive. Instead of opposing the move, Tamil Nadu should send a delegation so I can explain the benefits they stand to gain from it. We will not back down at any stage when it comes to safeguarding the interests of our state,” he said.
Shivakumar further asserted that everyone should abide by the Supreme Court’s order. Dismissing the resistance from Tamil Nadu, he remarked that opposition to the project is driven by political compulsions.
“Anyone is free to oppose it, but Tamil Nadu must also recognise that this is our state and our right. If they wish, let them send a delegation. I am prepared to take them to the dam site and walk them through the project. What is happening there is purely politics—if the Congress doesn’t oppose it, the DMK will; if the DMK doesn’t, the AIADMK will. However, this is not a political matter. Everyone must respect the law of the land and abide by the Supreme Court’s order. Receiving 177 TMC of water is Tamil Nadu’s right, and we will honour it. While protecting our own rights, we will respect theirs as well. Building the dam and releasing water is both our right and our duty. Aside from the Central Government’s requirement to provide compensatory land for the submerged forest area, this is entirely our project being built on our land,” the CM emphasised.
Addressing concerns that the Mekedatu project could adversely affect Tamil Nadu’s water supply, the Chief Minister underscored Karnataka’s obligation to safeguard the water allocations of both states as mandated by the apex court, asserting that construction of the dam will ensure the neighbouring state receives its defined share of the water. He even invited Tamil Nadu for fact-based discussions over the matter.
“We bear the responsibility of protecting the water share due to Tamil Nadu, just as we must protect Karnataka’s rightful share. The Supreme Court has clearly defined their 177 TMC entitlement. Delivering the water owed to them is our duty. We will build the dam and ensure they receive their share. Let Tamil Nadu come forward for discussions—I am ready to present the facts of the project. I will gather complete details on this and speak further in the coming days,” DK Shivakumar added. (ANI)
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