'My state, my right': DKS hits back at TN Cong over Mekedatu Dam row

Karnataka's Chief Minister DK Shivakumar responded forcefully to criticism from Tamil Nadu Congress President Manickam Tagore regarding the proposed Mekedatu Dam. Tagore had tweeted that "No one can stop the construction of a dam at Mekedatu," to which Shivakumar replied, "Let anyone condemn; I am least bothered. It is my state, my right."

Shivakumar invited Tamil Nadu leaders to visit the proposed site of the dam, expressing his willingness to explain how it would benefit the region. He dismissed Tagore's criticism as mere political posturing, stating that any opposition from Tamil Nadu would continue regardless of which party raised the issue. Shivakumar noted that if the Congress does not condemn, the DMK will, and if the DMK does not condemn, the AIADMK will.

In defending Karnataka's stance, Shivakumar referred to the Supreme Court's 2018 Cauvery water-sharing order, which awarded Tamil Nadu 177.25 TMC of water and Karnataka 284.75 TMC. He emphasized that the proposed Mekedatu Dam, a balancing reservoir near Kanakapura, would help regulate the flow of the Cauvery river and provide drinking water for Bengaluru while generating around 400 MW of electricity. Karnataka maintains that the dam would not affect Tamil Nadu's allocated share of river water.

However, Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed the project, arguing that an upstream reservoir could impact the flow of Cauvery water into the state, especially during periods of water shortage. The dispute between the two states stems from the ongoing Cauvery water-sharing conflict.