DMK stand against Mekedatu in election manifesto triggers row in Karnataka
The declaration of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in its poll manifesto for Tamil Nadu that it would stop any efforts by Karnataka to construct Mekedatu balancing reservoir has triggered a political row in Karnataka ahead of the Lok Sabha poll.
The Opposition BJP asked the ruling Congress whether it would oppose this to protect the interests of people of Karnataka or support its political ally DMK, which is a partner in INDIA bloc.
Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok asked, “Will Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah now follow Raja Dharma and protect the interests of Kannadigas or will he adhere to Maithri Dharma to save Rahul Gandhi’s INDIA bloc by compromising Karnataka’s interests?”
Using the occasion to ridicule the Congress government that had launched “My Tax, My
Right” protest in Delhi against the alleged injustice by the Centre in devolution of State’s share of Central taxes and grants, Mr. Ashok remarked: “Will troubleshooter Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar now organise ‘My Water, My Right’ protest taking all the Congress MLAs from Karnataka to Chennai?”.
The DMK in its poll manifesto has said, “Efforts to construct Mekedatu dam will be stopped. Measures will be taken by the DMK through firm legal action to protect the interests of farmers in the delta region and to ensure water supply to various parts of Tamil Nadu, countering the SC’s decision against construction of Mekedatu dam.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Shivakumar said, “Let them do anything in their State. I have taken up the Major Irrigation Ministry to build the Mekedatu project. The Cauvery Water Tribunal is aware of the water issue, they will have to give us justice.”