Bengaluru: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin's visit to Karnataka for a joint meeting of opposition leaders in Bengaluru has stirred controversy and objections from both the Karnataka and Tamil Nadu segments of the BJP.
The visit has fuelled tensions due to the ongoing dispute over the Mekedatu project, a proposed initiative by the Karnataka government aimed at addressing drinking water issues and generating hydroelectric power in the region.
The Karnataka BJP has raised concerns about the warm reception given to Stalin by the Congress party, despite his opposition to the Mekedatu project. On social media, the hashtag #GoBackStalin has gained traction, with the Tamil Nadu BJP also criticizing the Chief Minister for his visit to Karnataka, given the state's support for the project.
The Mekedatu project, situated at the confluence of the Cauvery and Arkavathi rivers, has been a subject of contention between the two states for years. While Karnataka asserts its jurisdiction over the project, Tamil Nadu firmly opposes any advancements, claiming it would adversely impact their water resources.
Former Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader R Ashoka criticized the Congress party's earlier padayatra, which called for the project's implementation, dismissing it as mere theatrics. Ashoka highlighted the contradiction of welcoming leaders opposing the project while organizing a water-related protest.
In response, Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar appealed to the Tamil Nadu government for mutual cooperation, stressing the project's benefits for both states' farmers and the drinking water needs of the region. Despite allocating funds for the project's immediate implementation, the allocated budget has remained unutilized, raising concerns over delays.
The dispute over the Mekedatu project reflects the broader tensions between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu regarding water resources management. While Karnataka emphasizes its responsibility for financing and adhering to regulations, Tamil Nadu remains adamant in its opposition.
As the controversy unfolds, the fate of the Mekedatu project hangs in the balance, with the possibility of further legal battles and conflicts between the two states. The Union government's involvement in managing the dams on the Cauvery river adds another layer of complexity to the issue, as it holds the authority to decide on water release.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu's Water Resources Minister, Duraimurugan, has made it clear that his government will vehemently oppose the dam proposal at all levels.