Karnataka BJP chief urges TN CM for cooperation on Cauvery water dispute

NEW DELHI: Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra has written to Tamil Nadu chief minister Vijay, urging him to adopt a cooperative approach to the long-running Cauvery water dispute and support the proposed Mekedatu reservoir project, saying the river should 'unite our people, rather than divide them.' The appeal comes amid renewed tensions between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu after the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) directed Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water per day to Tamil Nadu for 15 days. The direction has triggered protests in Karnataka, while the DMK has moved the Supreme Court seeking implementation of the water release order and clearance of the accumulated shortfall. In his letter, Vijayendra said differences between neighbouring states were natural but should be resolved through dialogue and statesmanship. "As neighbouring states, differences are inevitable. What matters is how we resolve them," he wrote. Referring to the earlier resolution of the dispute over the Thiruvalluvar statue in Bengaluru, Vijayendra said former Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa and former Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi had demonstrated that difficult issues could be settled when larger public interest prevailed. "Their maturity demonstrated that even difficult issues can be resolved when the larger interests of our people prevail. That is the spirit in which I appeal to you today," he wrote. The Karnataka BJP chief said the Cauvery was a lifeline for crores of people in Bengaluru and several towns across the Cauvery basin, including both Kannadigas and Tamilians living in Karnataka. "At a time when inadequate and erratic monsoons have placed enormous stress on farmers and citizens alike, their concerns cannot be overlooked," he said. Vijayendra also urged Vijay to reconsider Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu reservoir project, saying it would help meet Bengaluru's drinking water needs without affecting Tamil Nadu's legitimate share of Cauvery waters. "I also appeal to you to view the Mekedatu project in the spirit of cooperation. It can significantly address Bengaluru's drinking-water requirements without compromising the legitimate water needs of Tamil Nadu," he wrote. "Your support for the project can become a powerful symbol of cooperation between our two states." He expressed hope that Vijay would take a 'statesmanlike position' that protected Karnataka's interests while respecting those of Tamil Nadu. "I sincerely hope you will take a statesmanlike position that protects Karnataka's genuine interests while respecting those of Tamil Nadu, and help strengthen the historic bond between our two states. Let the Cauvery unite our people, rather than divide them," the letter said.

However, disagreements frequently resurface during years of low rainfall, with Karnataka arguing it needs water for its own drinking and irrigation requirements, while Tamil Nadu insists on releases as mandated by the tribunal and the Supreme Court. The latest flashpoint is Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu reservoir project, which the state says is intended to improve Bengaluru's drinking water supply and generate hydroelectric power. Tamil Nadu has opposed the project, arguing that it could affect its allocated share of Cauvery waters and violate the existing water-sharing framework.