Cauvery Water Dispute: Stalin Attacks Tamil Nadu CM Vijay, Demands All-Party Meet

Cauvery Water Dispute Intensifies in Tamil Nadu

Political tensions have risen in Tamil Nadu over the sharing of Cauvery river water and the construction of the Mekedatu dam by Karnataka. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) chief and former Chief Minister M. K. Stalin has targeted the current Chief Minister, C. Joseph Vijay.

Stalin alleges that Chief Minister Vijay's attempts at direct negotiation with Karnataka have failed, leaving Tamil Nadu isolated. He has demanded that the Tamil Nadu government convene an immediate all-party meeting to strengthen the state's position and formulate a unified strategy.

Stalin Criticizes CM Vijay's Approach

In a statement on the social media platform 'X' (formerly Twitter), Stalin stated that Chief Minister Vijay ignored warnings from political parties and farmer organizations, attempting to engage with Karnataka alone. This, he claims, resulted in failure and disregard for Tamil Nadu's concerns.

“Old experiences have taught us that legal battle is the only way against a state that denies Cauvery's rightful share. Karnataka considers Tamil Nadu merely a basin for the outflow of surplus water. Only through collective deliberation can this issue concerning our lifeline be resolved.”

Emphasis on Legal Fight and Karnataka's Unity

According to Stalin, legal proceedings are the most concrete option against the Karnataka government's water stoppage and defiance of the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) orders. He also highlighted that Karnataka Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar demonstrated political unity by convening an all-party meeting in his state on August 2. Stalin questioned when the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister would call for a similar meeting.

Concern for Farmers' Dire Situation

The former Chief Minister expressed deep concern over the dire situation of farmers in the Cauvery Delta region. He noted that farmers are facing severe hardship due to the monsoon deficit and insufficient water availability.

Stalin warned that if stringent measures are not taken immediately, the cultivation of Kuruvai and Samba crops will face a serious crisis, impacting the region's agricultural economy.