DMK president M.K. Stalin on Saturday urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to convene an all-party meeting to address the intensifying dispute over the proposed Mekedatu dam project. The appeal follows recent comments by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who asserted during a function in Mysuru that no entity could prevent the construction of the dam.
In a letter to the Chief Minister, Mr. Stalin emphasized that the Cauvery water issue is a matter of survival for the state's delta farmers, describing it as "historically and emotionally intertwined with the lives of Tamils." He stated that the Tamil Nadu government can no longer remain silent in the face of aggressive remarks from Karnataka leadership regarding the project. Mr. Stalin argued that political parties in Karnataka have maintained a unified stance on the issue, and that Tamil Nadu must demonstrate similar unity to protect its rights.
The DMK leader further proposed that a delegation consisting of legislative party leaders and members of Parliament from Tamil Nadu meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The objective of this delegation would be to submit a set of resolutions from the proposed all-party meeting, alongside a unanimous resolution against the dam project that the Tamil Nadu Assembly passed in June.
Addressing reports regarding a potential visit by Mr. Vijay to Karnataka for bilateral discussions, Mr. Stalin advised against such a move. He noted that past experience has shown negotiations with the neighbouring state have failed to secure Tamil Nadu's interests, maintaining that the state must rely on legal remedies. Mr. Stalin reminded the Chief Minister of his previous caution against such a visit, stating he had warned, "Do not run into this disaster."
Key facts
- DMK president M.K. Stalin wrote to CM C. Joseph Vijay on November 14, 2026.
- Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar claimed in Mysuru that the Mekedatu dam construction would proceed.
- The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly passed a resolution against the project in June.
- Stalin proposed a joint delegation of state MPs to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Stalin advocated for legal remedies over direct negotiations with the Karnataka government.
Why it matters
The construction of the Mekedatu dam remains a major source of friction between the two states, directly impacting water sharing and agricultural livelihoods in the Delta region. A unified political stance from Tamil Nadu, as sought by Mr. Stalin, is intended to formalize the state's opposition at the national level through the Prime Minister's office.
Source: The Hindu, Times of India
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