DMDK Leader Urges Direct CM Negotiations in Karnataka Over Cauvery Water Dispute
Premallatha Vijayakant calls for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to break the diplomatic deadlock by visiting Karnataka on August 3. The DMDK general secretary argues for direct talks and an Assembly resolution to secure mandated water releases.
Key takeaways
- Premallatha Vijayakant urges CM C. Joseph Vijay to visit Karnataka on August 3 for direct water sharing negotiations.
- The DMDK calls for a Tamil Nadu Assembly resolution supporting the CWMA directive for a 3,500 cusec water release.
- Ms. Vijayakant highlighted a shift from power surplus to shortage in Tamil Nadu, affecting even the Chief Minister's constituency.
- The DMDK leader proposed a joint all-party representation to the Prime Minister to resolve the persistent Cauvery deadlock.
A Call for Diplomatic Engagement in Karnataka
In a demonstration held at Hogenakkal on Saturday, DMDK general secretary Premallatha Vijayakant challenged the political status quo regarding the long-standing Cauvery water dispute. She urged Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to travel to Karnataka on August 3 to initiate direct negotiations with the neighboring state government. While other opposition entities have voiced objections to such a visit, Ms. Vijayakant noted that if the Chief Minister can visit Karnataka for personal reasons, he must do so for the public welfare of Tamil Nadu.
Ms. Vijayakant proposed a multi-pronged strategy to address the shortage, including the passage of a Tamil Nadu Assembly resolution. This resolution would formally endorse the Cauvery Water Management Authority’s (CWMA) directive requiring Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water. Furthermore, she suggested that the Chief Minister leverage his political alliances by meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to secure cooperation from the Congress-led administration in Karnataka.
Regional Cooperation and Internal Infrastructure
Rejecting the rhetoric of enmity, the DMDK leader emphasized that the four southern states constitute a single Dravida Nadu region that should thrive through coexistence. She questioned why Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar could not similarly visit Tamil Nadu to bridge the gap. Addressing Mr. Shivakumar directly in Kannada, she asserted that natural resources like air and water transcend political borders and must be shared according to regulatory directives.
The criticism extended beyond water rights to include domestic infrastructure failures. Ms. Vijayakant highlighted that Tamil Nadu has transitioned from a power-surplus state to one facing electricity shortages, even within the Chief Minister's own constituency. She demanded that the state leadership move beyond Chennai to witness the ground reality in Hogenakkal, Mettur, and the delta districts.
Proposed Policy Measures
- Convene an all-party meeting to formulate a unified representation to the Prime Minister.
- Adhere strictly to CWMA water release mandates to ensure regional stability.
- Address the emerging energy crisis that has led to public demonstrations in the streets.
The protest featured a symbolic gesture at Biligundulu, where the DMDK leader inspected the Cauvery entry point and poured river water back into the stream as a wish for mutual prosperity. The event also saw participation from the DMK, represented by district secretary (West) P. Palaniappan, signaling a broad interest in resolving the hydro-political tension.
Source: The Hindu — National
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