Chennai , 07 August (H.S.): The Mekedatu dam dispute took centre stage in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Friday, with Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin demanding an all-party meeting to oppose Karnataka’s proposed project, while Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay defended his government’s approach to the Cauvery issue.

The exchange came during the discussion on the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government’s first Budget. Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson presented the revised Budget for 2026-27 on Wednesday, while Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister R. Vinoth tabled the Agriculture Budget on Thursday.

Raising the Mekedatu issue, Udhayanidhi said Karnataka had stepped up efforts to implement the project and alleged that political parties in the neighbouring state were united in seeking the Centre’s support.

He questioned why the Tamil Nadu government had not convened an all-party meeting to formulate a united strategy against the proposed dam. He also urged Vijay to meet farmers in the Cauvery Delta and explain the government’s position.

Udhayanidhi further sought an explanation over Vijay’s proposed visit to Karnataka, asking why the trip had not taken place and whether statements from the Karnataka government had prompted the change in plans.

Responding to the Opposition, Vijay said his government did not want to politicise the Cauvery dispute, describing the river as Tamil Nadu’s lifeline and an issue closely linked to the emotions and livelihood of its people.

The Chief Minister said the government would continue to pursue Tamil Nadu’s rights through legal channels and pointed out that the Assembly had already unanimously adopted a resolution opposing the Mekedatu project.

Clarifying his proposed Bengaluru visit, Vijay said he had himself suggested talks with Karnataka and saw nothing wrong in seeking dialogue with a neighbouring state.

Vijay said he was prepared to face even personal embarrassment if such an initiative could help protect Tamil Nadu’s interests, maintaining that dialogue and legal action could be pursued simultaneously.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman