No nod for Mekadatu dam: TN CM Edappadi k Palaniswami

He put a full stop to the ‘rumours’ at the Centenary celebrations of AIADMK founder MG Ramachandran in Tiruvarur. “We have insisted Karnataka to release our share of water from the existing dams,” the CM stressed.

“When the Judges asked the state pleader whether Tamil Nadu would allow Karnataka to build the check dam in a different place, with the interest of Tamil Nadu taken care of, the TN Pleader answered that this could be discussed later. So, nowhere the TN pleader has supported the check dam construction by Karnataka. Hence, the news and statements of opposition parties are completely wrong,” Palanisawami said.

Later, the Chief Minister disbursed welfare measures worth Rs 319 crore. He further promised several projects and naming of Kudavasal Government Arts and Science College after the party founder MGR.

The Chief Minister’s clarification comes after political parties went hammer and tongs against his government for reportedly expressing its approval before the apex court to Karnataka building a check dam across Cauvery River. Notably, not many AIADMK seniors, mainly ministers of EPS led government, had mouthed concerns as much on the issue as they did for party reunion.

Though Palaniswami has been prompted to publicly rebut the report, the perennial water row had largely remained unnoticed thus far as the merger of the AIADMK factions overshadowed other political developments in the state. The imminent merger of the AIADMK factions had kept everyone so preoccupied that leaders like Naam Tamizhar Katchi leader Seeman agitatedly said, “Who cares if they (factions) merge or if they don’t? Will it (merger) benefit the people in any way? Neighbouring states are trying to build dams across rivers. This government has silently approved the dam proposal, which would turn the state parched, but you (media) are engrossed in the merger of the AIADMK factions?”

Equally scathing in his attack was PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss who said, “OPS and EPS will jointly loot the state. Is the merger the most pressing problem affecting the state? How can Palaniswami give up the rights on Cauvery to protect his government and help BJP capture power in Karnataka?” DMK, which was the first to hit out at the ruling dispensation, had already accused the CM and his colleagues of being preoccupied with party reunion and betraying the state.