Congress Hypocrisy: Backs Mekedatu Dam in Karnataka, Opposes It In Tamil Nadu As Assembly Passes Resolution

New Delhi: The Mekedatu dam row has put the Congress in an uncomfortable position, with the Congress-backed government in Tamil Nadu strongly opposing the project even as the Congress government in Karnataka continues to back its construction.

The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Friday unanimously passed a resolution urging the Centre not to grant any technical, environmental or statutory approvals for Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir across the Cauvery river. 

The resolution also called upon the Union government to direct Karnataka not to proceed with the project without the consent of the lower riparian states and necessary approvals.

Moving the resolution, Chief Minister Vijay appealed to all political parties to rise above differences and unite to protect Tamil Nadu's water rights.

"Water is the main resource for life and uninterrupted water supply is our collective responsibility. Without pointing fingers at anyone, we should all stand together for Tamil Nadu and support this resolution in the interest of our farmers and people," he said.

Vijay accused the Karnataka government of attempting to push ahead with the Mekedatu project despite the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and the Supreme Court's judgment on the sharing of Cauvery waters.

He said Tamil Nadu would continue to oppose the project and pursue all legal remedies if required, while urging the Centre to reject Karnataka's proposal.

The resolution stated that Karnataka was attempting to construct the dam without respecting the Cauvery Tribunal's final award of February 5, 2007, the Supreme Court's judgment of February 16, 2018, obtaining the consent of the basin states, or securing approval from the Union government.

It noted that both the Cauvery Tribunal and the Supreme Court had treated the Cauvery as a deficit basin, leaving no scope for new projects or additional utilisation of water without the concurrence of all riparian states.

The Assembly further urged the Central Water Commission not to consider or approve Karnataka's detailed project report and unanimously backed all measures taken by the Tamil Nadu government to safeguard the interests of the state's farmers.

Congress minister Rajesh Kumar supported the resolution, asserting that the Tamil Nadu Congress would stand firmly to protect the state's water rights and ensure uninterrupted water supply.

The development has once again highlighted the Congress's contrasting positions on the Mekedatu issue, with its Karnataka government continuing to support the project while its alliance government in Tamil Nadu has formally opposed it in the Assembly.

ALSO READ: Landslide On Gujarat's Pavagadh Hill: Heavy Rocks Crush 2 Pilgrims, Many Feared Trapped Under Boulders; Rescue Ops Underway