DMK slams CM’s ‘silence’ on Mekedatu dam, seeks all-party meet to protect TN’s rights

DMK criticized ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) for its ambiguous stand on the Mekedatu dam issue and demanded an all-party meeting to protect Tamil Nadu's rights on Cauvery river water sharing.

DMK chief MK Stalin announced a protest meeting in Thanjavur on August 3, 2026, led by Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin, to press for farmers' demands including fair Cauvery water share.

On July 27, Union Jal Shakti minister Raj Bhushan Chowdhary said in Rajya Sabha that lower riparian states' approval is not required for the Mekedatu dam; Karnataka water resources minister Ramalinga Reddy said construction would proceed without Tamil Nadu's permission.

Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar met Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on June 11 seeking financial aid for Mekedatu and met Union Jal Shakti minister the next day for project approval.

DMK questioned CM C Joseph Vijay's silence on the Mekedatu issue, while a meeting between Vijay and Shivakumar was expected in Bengaluru.