The contentious issue surrounding the allocation of Cauvery river water has abruptly resurfaced in the political arena, sparking a fierce debate between the riparian states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The latest flashpoint emerged following a firm declaration by Karnataka's Irrigation Minister, Ramalinga Reddy, who stated unequivocally that his state would not release water to Tamil Nadu, asserting that no such demand had even been made.
This pronouncement immediately ignited a political firestorm in Tamil Nadu, with prominent opposition figures launching scathing critiques against Chief Minister J. Joseph Vijay. Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, issued separate, forceful statements. Both leaders implored Chief Minister Vijay to exert significant pressure on the Congress-led government in Karnataka to ensure the prompt release of water crucial for the delta farmers.
Palaniswami highlighted the recent political alliance formed between the TVK and the Congress, suggesting that Chief Minister Vijay possessed the leverage to influence the Karnataka government. He emphasized the necessity for Karnataka to honor its commitments as stipulated by the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) verdict. This includes the provision of 9.91 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic Feet) of water for the month of June and an additional 32 TMC for July, designated for the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu.
A critical point of contention raised by the opposition was the unprecedented delay in opening the Mettur reservoir this year. Palaniswami noted that under previous DMK administrations, the reservoir had consistently been opened on or before the stipulated date of June 12 for five consecutive years. He lamented Chief Minister Vijay's perceived silence regarding Karnataka's failure to release the 9.91 TMC due for June and its current refusal to release the 32 TMC allocated for July, accusing the state government of inaction.
The AIADMK general secretary further condemned the Congress-ruled Karnataka government, characterizing its stance as
Editorial Note: This article features independent news analysis and commentary. Primary reports and event data sourced via Deccan Chronicle.
