Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra on Saturday sharply condemned the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly's resolution opposing the Mekedatu balancing reservoir and drinking water project, declaring that no state or authority can strip Karnataka of its rightful share of Cauvery river waters.

What Vijayendra Said

In a formal statement, Vijayendra described the Tamil Nadu Assembly's resolution as 'highly condemnable' and argued it ran contrary to the spirit of India's federal structure. He characterised it as a unilateral move that ignored Karnataka's legitimate water rights.

'The unnecessary political interference and adamant attitude of the neighbouring state on this issue are strongly opposed by us,' Vijayendra said.

He further underscored that there could be no compromise on the state's land, water, and language — framing the Mekedatu dispute as a matter of core Kannada identity and not merely an infrastructure disagreement.

Why the Mekedatu Project Matters

The Mekedatu project, proposed to be built at the confluence of the Cauvery and Arkavathi rivers in Ramanagara district, is designed to serve as a balancing reservoir. Karnataka maintains the project is essential for meeting the drinking water needs of Bengaluru and several surrounding districts, while also enabling optimal utilisation of the state's allocated share of Cauvery waters.

Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed the project, arguing it would restrict downstream water flow and affect the interests of farmers in the state. The passage of a formal legislative assembly resolution marks a significant escalation in the long-running inter-state water dispute.

BJP Targets Congress Over 'Double Standards'

Vijayendra directed sharp criticism at the ruling Congress government in Karnataka, alleging it was adopting a contradictory position on the issue. He pointed out that while the Karnataka Congress claims to champion the state's Cauvery rights, the same party is a partner in the ruling alliance in Tamil Nadu.

'This is not only a display of the Congress party's double standards but also a betrayal of the people of Karnataka,' he alleged. The BJP leader accused the Tamil Nadu government of repeatedly weaponising the Cauvery issue for political and electoral gains.

Call for a United, Non-Partisan Stand

Despite the political targeting, Vijayendra called for a united, non-partisan struggle on the water rights issue, urging all political parties in Karnataka to set aside differences and collectively defend the state's interests. He warned that historical mistakes on Karnataka's interests must not be repeated.

The BJP, he said, was prepared to undertake any level of agitation necessary to protect the rights of farmers and secure the drinking water future of Kannadigas. He reiterated that the Mekedatu project was not a political project but an essential infrastructure initiative for the state's long-term water security.

With the Tamil Nadu resolution now on record and Karnataka's opposition parties sharpening their attack on the ruling Congress, the Cauvery dispute is set to intensify ahead of upcoming electoral cycles in both states.