The Mekedatu dam project has triggered another political debate between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has sought to reassure Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, saying he has made a commitment to protect their interests. Shivakumar argued that the proposed Mekedatu project is ultimately in Tamil Nadu's interests as well. The remarks come amid a long-running dispute over the Cauvery river and Karnataka's plan to build a balancing reservoir near Mekedatu.


Mekedatu row: Karnataka's Shivakumar assures Tamil Nadu, says project serves its interests

Karnataka is witnessing a statewide bandh over the Cauvery water-sharing dispute with Tamil Nadu, with security measures heightened across the state.

Protesters in several parts of Karnataka are opposing the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, while stressing that they want the state’s own drinking water and irrigation requirements to be prioritised. In Koppal, protesters adopted an unusual form of demonstration by offering roses to lorry drivers heading towards Tamil Nadu.

Protest groups are also demanding long-term measures to strengthen Karnataka’s water security, including faster implementation of the Mekedatu project.

More than 50 members of pro-Kannada organisations were reportedly arrested during protests. Meanwhile, operations at Kempegowda International Airport remained normal despite the bandh.

Karnataka Bandh Over Cauvery Water Dispute | Protests Intensify Against Tamil Nadu Water Release

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has defended his proposal for direct talks with Karnataka over the Cauvery water dispute, saying he is prepared to face "humiliation" if dialogue helps safeguard Tamil Nadu's interests.

The remarks came during a heated exchange in the Tamil Nadu Assembly with Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin over the contentious Mekedatu dam project. Udhayanidhi questioned Vijay's decision to engage directly with Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and asked whether an all-party meeting would be convened on the issue.

Vijay responded by asserting that his government would never compromise on Tamil Nadu's rights over Cauvery waters and urged political parties not to politicize the long-standing interstate dispute. The confrontation marks the first direct face-off between the two leaders since Udhayanidhi Stalin's arrest over his controversial remarks against actor Trisha.

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Defends Karnataka Talks Over Cauvery Dispute, Clashes With Udhayanidhi Stalin

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is set to meet Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for crucial talks on the long-running Cauvery River water-sharing dispute. The meeting is expected to focus on the controversial Mekedatu Dam project, water releases, and finding a mutually acceptable solution amid renewed tensions between the two southern states.

Cauvery Water Dispute: CM Vijay to hold crucial talks with Karnataka over Mekedatu Dam

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay officially alluded to the contentious Mekedatu project during his first public speech in Trichy East. He took a hardline stance, asserting that his government will never compromise on secularism, state rights, or river water-sharing.


Vijay Alludes To Mekedatu Project Concerns in First Speech as CM