Congress Vs Congress: Manickam Tagore Slams Karnataka Govt’s Move On Mekedatu Reservoir

Last Updated:May 24, 2026, 8:29 PM IST

Congress MP Manickam Tagore opposed Karnataka’s move to implement the Mekedatu reservoir project, calling it a “direct assault” on Tamil Nadu’s riparian rights.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore (ANI/File)

The Congress-led Karnataka government’s decision to expedite the Mekedatu Dam project has faced strong opposition from one of its own party’s MPs in Tamil Nadu, with Manickam Tagore calling it a “direct assault” on Tamil Nadu’s riparian rights.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced last week that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Mekedatu project will be submitted to the Centre soon, and the groundbreaking ceremony will be held after obtaining approval from the Union government. However, the project was met with strong disapproval from political leaders in Tamil Nadu, who said it would adversely affect the state’s interests.

Taking to X, Manickam Tagore went against his own party and said, “The Karnataka government’s move to expedite approval for the expansion of the Mekedatu dam and seek clearance from the Union Cabinet constitutes a direct assault on Tamil Nadu’s riparian rights and the livelihoods of its farmers.”

“The Supreme Court and the Cauvery Water Management Authority have already clearly stated that no new dam can be constructed across the Cauvery River without Tamil Nadu’s consent. Nevertheless, Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister, Mr DK Shivakumar, continues to issue provocative statements, disregarding judicial orders and federal principles,” he added.

Tagore urged the Centre to immediately reject the proposal, adding that the BJP’s pressure from Karnataka must not lead to discrimination against Tamil Nadu. “The rights of Tamil Nadu’s farmers cannot be sacrificed for political expediency,” he stated.

Why Tamil Nadu Opposes Mekedatu Project?

Karnataka has announced plans to construct a balancing reservoir on the Cauvery River at Mekedatu in that state to meet the twin objectives of drinking water requirements and power generation. In December last year, the Karnataka government issued an order to constitute a dedicated team to ensure the swift implementation of the project.

However, Tamil Nadu has opposed the implementation of the project as the water-sharing of the Cauvery River remains a sensitive matter for the state. The river acts as a lifeline for millions of farmers, especially in Tamil Nadu’s delta districts, where agriculture depends heavily on a steady release of Cauvery water from upstream reservoirs in Karnataka.

Tamil Nadu argues that the project could allow Karnataka to store more water and reduce or delay downstream flows during crucial farming seasons. The two states have witnessed legal battles, political protests and farmer agitations for decades over water-sharing.

Last year, the Supreme Court rejected a plea by the Tamil Nadu government against construction of the Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir Project across the Cauvery river by Karnataka. A bench comprising then-Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, Justices K Vinod Chandran and Justice NV Anjaria said the plan would be approved only after considering the objections of the State as well as the opinion of the expert bodies, Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) and the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA).

Tamil Nadu Parties Slam Karnataka’s Move

Several political parties, including the DMK and the AIADMK, have criticised Shivakumar over the Mekedatu dam issue and accused him of arrogance after he allegedly said Tamil Nadu had no right to oppose the project.

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami urged the TVK-led government to announce its stance on the Mekedatu issue, saying Karnataka was undermining Tamil Nadu’s rights over the Cauvery River.

(with inputs from agencies)

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