Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Friday said he was willing to “face insults” if initiating dialogue with neighbouring Karnataka could help resolve the long-standing Cauvery water dispute in the interest of the people of Tamil Nadu.
Speaking in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Vijay responded to criticism from Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin, who questioned the government’s handling of the river water dispute and demanded an all-party meeting on Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu Dam project.
Vijay Says Dialogue Was His Idea
Addressing the Assembly, Vijay said he had personally proposed holding discussions with Karnataka in the hope of finding a constructive solution to the decades-old dispute.
He said that while his government remains committed to pursuing the matter through legal channels, there was nothing wrong with exploring dialogue alongside legal efforts.
“I thought, what if talks are held with the neighbouring state? Even countries that are sworn enemies hold dialogue to resolve issues,” Vijay said, adding that he was prepared to endure criticism if such efforts benefited Tamil Nadu.
Government Reaffirms Legal Stand
The Chief Minister recalled that Tamil Nadu’s approach to the Cauvery dispute has evolved since 1969, shifting from negotiations to legal proceedings over the years.
He clarified that the state’s legal position on the issue remains unchanged and that his government would continue to safeguard Tamil Nadu’s rights over Cauvery water.
Vijay also reiterated that the government would not compromise on the state’s interests while dealing with Karnataka.
Udhayanidhi Stalin Seeks All-Party Meeting
During the Assembly debate, DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin urged the government to convene an all-party meeting to discuss Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir project.
He questioned why the state government had not called such a meeting despite demands from various political parties.
However, Vijay dismissed the need for an all-party meeting, saying his administration was fully committed to protecting Tamil Nadu’s interests and that the existing legal and administrative mechanisms were adequate to address the issue.
Why the Mekedatu Project Is Controversial
The Mekedatu balancing reservoir proposed by Karnataka has remained one of the most contentious issues in the Cauvery water-sharing dispute.
Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed the project, arguing that it could reduce the flow of Cauvery water to downstream regions and adversely affect farmers and drinking water needs in the state.
Karnataka, however, has maintained that the reservoir is intended to improve water management and has argued that Tamil Nadu would also benefit from the project.
A Long-Standing Interstate Water Dispute
The Cauvery dispute is one of India’s longest-running interstate river water conflicts, involving Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the sharing of Cauvery river waters.
The issue becomes particularly sensitive during years of deficient rainfall, when both states seek a larger share of the available water for irrigation, drinking water supply, and other essential needs.
The debate has once again intensified amid renewed discussions over the Mekedatu project, with both governments maintaining their respective positions while legal proceedings continue.
