Dhinakaran Questions Tamil Nadu CM Vijay’s Silence on Cauvery Water Dispute with Karnataka

AMMK founder T.T.V. Dhinakaran has vociferously questioned Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s conspicuous silence regarding the ongoing Cauvery water dispute with Karnataka. Dhinakaran’s critique comes at a time when Karnataka has informed the Supreme Court that meeting Tamil Nadu’s demand for a shortfall of 11 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of water is difficult due to a rain-deficit year and drought conditions in several areas.

The political leader highlighted that Chief Minister Vijay, who recently engaged in discussions with his Andhra Pradesh counterpart concerning Krishna river water, has remained conspicuously quiet on the Cauvery issue. Dhinakaran questioned this disparity in approach, particularly when the livelihoods of farmers in the Cauvery Delta region are at stake. He suggested that if direct talks with Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar were challenging, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister should have raised the matter with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during his recent visit to Chennai.

Cauvery Water Dispute Intensifies Amidst Supreme Court Proceedings

The core of the dispute lies in Tamil Nadu’s plea seeking release of its rightful share of Cauvery water from Karnataka. The state government has approached the Supreme Court, alleging a significant shortfall and demanding immediate release of the outstanding water. Tamil Nadu has contended that it has already suffered crop losses due to the scarcity and that the entire burden of hydrological distress should not be unilaterally borne by the lower riparian state.

Karnataka, on the other hand, has presented its case to the Supreme Court, citing severe drought conditions and a substantial rainfall deficit as reasons for the difficulty in meeting Tamil Nadu’s water release demands. The state government has emphasized the need for water conservation for drinking water supply and has also pointed out that Tamil Nadu is expected to benefit from the upcoming northeast monsoon, a benefit not as readily available to Karnataka.

The Supreme Court has reserved its order on Tamil Nadu’s plea. The apex court had previously directed the Karnataka government to respond to Tamil Nadu’s allegations of a shortfall in water supply. The proceedings have underscored the complex interplay between drought management in Karnataka and the impact of water scarcity on agricultural activities in Tamil Nadu.

Dhinakaran’s Political Allegations

Adding a political dimension to the water dispute, Dhinakaran suggested that the current Tamil Nadu government, which he described as a “minority TVK government” dependent on Congress support, might be sacrificing the state’s water rights to appease its political allies. He urged Chief Minister Vijay not to adopt a “passive and evasive approach” and instead take swift legal action to secure Tamil Nadu’s due share of water. Dhinakaran also called for measures to permanently halt the Mekedatu dam project, which he believes poses a severe threat to Tamil Nadu’s water rights.

This is not the first time Dhinakaran has voiced concerns over the Cauvery water dispute. In previous instances, he has urged the ruling DMK government to leverage its alliance with the Congress in Karnataka to ensure water release and has even participated in protests demanding the establishment of a Cauvery Water Management Board. His recent statements reflect a continued focus on the water-sharing issue and a critical stance on the state government’s handling of the matter.

The Supreme Court’s decision on the water release is keenly awaited, as it will have significant implications for both states, particularly concerning agricultural output and water resource management. The ongoing legal battle and political discourse highlight the deep-seated nature of the Cauvery water-sharing dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

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