Vijay; defends push for talks with Karnataka
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Friday reaffirmed that his government would firmly safeguard the state’s rights over the Cauvery river while defending his proposal to engage directly with Karnataka on the long-standing water dispute.
Speaking in the Assembly during a debate on the Mekedatu dam project, Vijay said exploring dialogue with Karnataka should not be viewed as a departure from Tamil Nadu’s legal position. Instead, he described it as an additional effort to find a possible solution without compromising the state’s interests.
The Chief Minister rejected the Opposition’s demand for an all-party meeting, arguing that there was no immediate need for such a move. He urged political parties not to turn the sensitive interstate water issue into a platform for political confrontation, stressing that the matter carries deep emotional significance for the people of Tamil Nadu.
Vijay pointed out that the Assembly had previously adopted a unanimous resolution opposing Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu project. He said the state’s objections had already been communicated to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through official correspondence, including references to the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal’s final award and the relevant legal framework. According to him, the government remains committed to opposing any project that could adversely affect Tamil Nadu’s share of Cauvery water.
Reiterating his government’s stand, Vijay said there would be no compromise on the state’s legal and water rights. He also recalled that successive governments had pursued different approaches over the decades, including negotiations and litigation, in an effort to resolve the dispute.
Without naming previous administrations, the Chief Minister said he did not intend to revisit historical decisions for political advantage. Instead, he appealed to all parties to focus on protecting Tamil Nadu’s interests rather than debating who deserves credit or blame.
Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin, however, maintained that the government should convene an all-party meeting to demonstrate a united stand against Karnataka’s Mekedatu proposal. He argued that Karnataka had adopted a similar approach and that Tamil Nadu should present a collective political front on the issue.
Udhayanidhi also sought clarification on Vijay’s reported plan to visit Karnataka, noting that ministers had made differing statements about whether such a visit was confirmed or merely under consideration. He asked the Chief Minister to clearly state whether an all-party meeting would be held and whether the proposed visit would take place.
