Congress vs Congress over Karnataka CM’s Mekedatu approval appeal before PM Modi

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Nov 14, 2026: Differences within the Congress over the proposed Mekedatu dam across the Cauvery river came to the fore on Saturday, with Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president Manickam Tagore opposing Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to grant the necessary approvals for the project.

Hours later, Shivakumar dismissed Tagore’s criticism, saying he was “least bothered” by the objections and asserting that Karnataka had the right to construct the dam while protecting the state’s interests.

The proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir project has long been a contentious issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over Cauvery water-sharing rights.

Tagore opposes Mekedatu project

In a post on X, Tagore shared a video of Shivakumar appealing to Prime Minister Modi for the Centre’s approval of the Mekedatu project during an event in Mysuru.

Strongly objecting to the appeal, Tagore described the proposed dam as illegal and alleged that it would adversely affect farmers in Tamil Nadu. He also criticised Shivakumar for making the demand in the presence of the Prime Minister.

Tagore alleged that Shivakumar’s firm stand violated Supreme Court directives and the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal.

"It is deeply condemnable that Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mysuru, said, ’No one can stop the construction of the dam at Mekedatu,’ and that the Central government must give its final approval for it," Tagore wrote.

He said the remarks went against the principles of federalism and threatened the livelihoods of farmers in Tamil Nadu.

Tagore urged the Centre not to grant approval for the project without consulting and obtaining the consent of lower-riparian states, particularly Tamil Nadu. He maintained that the Tamil Nadu government would not permit the project.

As a lower-riparian state in the Cauvery river basin, Tamil Nadu’s water rights must be protected, he said, adding that unilateral implementation of the project by Karnataka would severely affect farmers in the delta districts.

He also called on the Centre to ensure that Karnataka did not proceed with the project without addressing Tamil Nadu’s concerns.

’My state, my right’: Shivakumar

Reacting to Tagore’s criticism, Shivakumar said Karnataka was entitled to protect its rights and that the Supreme Court had clearly established the state’s entitlement to 170 TMC of Cauvery water.

"The Supreme Court has very clearly said that they have the right to 170 TMC of water. It is our duty. We will protect their right. It is our right to build the dam and give them water," he said.

Dismissing the criticism, Shivakumar added, "Let anyone condemn. I am least bothered. It is my state, my right."

He also invited Tamil Nadu leaders to visit Karnataka, saying he was willing to explain how the project would benefit the neighbouring state.

"I don’t mind, it is politics there. If Congress doesn’t condemn, DMK will condemn. If DMK doesn’t condemn, AIADMK will condemn. Then everyone may condemn," he said.

Shivakumar seeks Centre’s support

On Friday, Shivakumar placed three key demands before Prime Minister Modi, seeking the Centre’s intervention in the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project, Karnataka’s opposition to the Kasturirangan report on the Western Ghats and the formulation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) guidelines to strengthen primary education.

Seeking the Centre’s support for the Mekedatu project, Shivakumar said the Supreme Court had delivered a clear verdict on the issue and urged the Union government to facilitate the necessary approvals, including the final clearance.

He described the project as an important balancing reservoir that would help meet drinking water requirements in Bengaluru and other regions.

Shivakumar also maintained that the project would benefit not only Karnataka but also Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kerala.

"We want you to help us with this balancing reservoir for drinking water, which also will help Tamil Nadu. I want you to help us," he told the Prime Minister.