Palaniswami calls for all-party talks on Mekedatu dam project

Opposition AIADMK leader O. Palaniswami has pressed Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to initiate an all-party consultation on the Mekedatu dam issue, signaling the need for broader political consensus on the matter. Palaniswami's appeal underscores the significance of the project for Tamil Nadu's interests and the importance of unified state-level engagement with neighboring Karnataka.

The Mekedatu project, which Karnataka has been pursuing, remains a flashpoint in inter-state water disputes. Tamil Nadu has consistently raised concerns about its potential impact on water availability, particularly regarding allocations from the Cauvery River. The dam proposal has triggered considerable debate among stakeholders and political parties across the southern state.

Palaniswami's recommendation for an all-party forum reflects the cross-party nature of concerns about the project. Such consultations are typically seen as essential for formulating a collective state position when dealing with interstate water resource disputes. The call highlights the need for coordinated advocacy at the highest levels to protect Tamil Nadu's water interests and Cauvery basin concerns.