Political parties urge govt. to convene all-party meeting on Mekedatu project

Political parties in Tamil Nadu have called upon the government to convene an all-party meeting regarding the Mekedatu dam project in Karnataka. They argue that a unified political and legal response is crucial to safeguard Tamil Nadu's share of Cauvery water. At a demonstration organized by Puthiya Tamilagam in Chennai, leaders from various parties accused the Karnataka government of consistently failing to deliver Tamil Nadu's rightful water share, as mandated by tribunal and Supreme Court orders.

They assert that Tamil Nadu typically receives only surplus water released during heavy rainfall, rather than its allocated portion. Naam Tamilar Katchi's co-ordinator, Seeman, claimed that Karnataka had repeatedly breached Cauvery water-sharing agreements and urged the State government to assert its legally guaranteed entitlement to 177.25 tmcft of water.

Puthiya Tamilagam founder, K. Krishnasamy, warned that the proposed Mekedatu dam would exacerbate the water crisis for Tamil Nadu if built, citing Karnataka's failure to release the necessary water, which has impacted kuruvai cultivation in the Delta districts this season. Tamilaga Vaazhvurimai Katchi's president, T. Velmurugan, emphasized the need for Tamil Nadu political parties to unite on the Mekedatu issue, even during upcoming byelections.

Representatives from the Pattali Makkal Katchi, Indiya Jananayaga Katchi, and other parties also joined in the call for action.