PMK President Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss has strongly opposed any move by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Vijay to travel to Karnataka for discussions on the proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir project, saying that Tamil Nadu should not recognize the project in any form.
A long-standing Cauvery water dispute, Anbumani said that Tamil Nadu has always rejected the Mekedatu project, and a formal discussion of the matter is not needed in the form of talks. In fact, he said, even to participate in talks might be considered a recognition of the legitimacy of the project, a charge that Tamil Nadu has vehemently opposed for years.
"The Chief Minister should avoid going to Karnataka for talks on the Mekedatu dam at any cost. We don't acknowledge the Mekedatu project, so why should we talk about it?" Anbumani said in front of the media.
The Mekedatu project, proposed by the Karnataka government, aims to build a balancing reservoir on the Cauvery River on the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border.
Karnataka says the project will bring drinking water to Bengaluru and generate hydroelectric power, but Tamil Nadu has repeatedly protested the project, saying the reservoir might affect the downstream Cauvery water used for the state under existing agreements and the Supreme Court’s verdict.
Water sharing between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu has been one of India’s most sensitive inter-state issues for decades. Farmers in Tamil Nadu, especially those who depend on Cauvery irrigation in the delta region, worry that upstream projects could reduce water availability during critical agricultural seasons.
Anbumani said the state government should continue its legal and constitutional opposition to the project and not engage in discussions that may weaken Tamil Nadu's stance. He said protecting the state’s water rights needs to be the top priority.
“CM Vijay at all cost should avoid going to Karnataka for talks on Mekedatu dam.
— News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) July 27, 2026
We don't acknowledge Mekedatu project and so why should we talk about it.”
- PMK leader Anbumani pic.twitter.com/lzsJQyAHAh
Political parties in Tamil Nadu have largely united against the Mekedatu project and argue that any new reservoir upstream should not be built without the consent of lower riparian states. This issue comes up whenever Karnataka plans to move forward with its project or to get environmental approval.
The Tamil Nadu government has continuously approached legal forums and the Union government to oppose it, because of concerns over water security and farmers’ interests. The issue is still one that is very much in the national spotlight as it has implications for state relationships and water resource management.
With the Mekedatu issue back in the political frame, Anbumani’s words have put pressure on the state government to stick to its position.
The Cauvery water sharing dispute is still an important political and public policy issue for millions of people in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and the future of the proposed reservoir is in the spotlight today.
The final decision for future discussions or meetings on the Mekedatu project will depend on the state government’s strategy and the progress of legal and administrative proceedings going on.
