Priyank Kharge Dismisses Tamil Nadu Opposition To Mekedatu Dam Project

On Friday, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge defended the state’s proposed Mekedatu dam project during an address in Bengaluru, stating that the state government will continue to pursue its interests through legal means. The minister was responding to a resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu assembly that opposed the construction of the project.

Kharge dismissed the opposition from the neighbouring state, asserting that the decisions of the Tamil Nadu assembly do not dictate Karnataka's actions. He stated that the Tamil Nadu government is free to pass any resolution they want, adding that "it is not our business what resolutions they pass."

Addressing the legal aspects of the water dispute, Kharge pointed out that a Supreme Court order is already in place regarding the matter. He remarked that if the Tamil Nadu government wishes to go ahead with a legal battle or seek a legal resolution, they are free to do so.

The minister further clarified Karnataka's stance on the river water sharing issue. According to Kharge, Karnataka is not seeking to encroach on the rights of any other state. He asserted that the state’s primary objective in constructing the Mekedatu dam is merely to utilise the surplus water flowing through the river system for the welfare of its own people.

The statement from the minister highlights the ongoing political dispute and tension between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the construction of the Mekedatu dam project.