Can the Karnataka government persuade Tamil Nadu on the Mekedatu project?

Mysuru, July 5 (NationPress) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H. D. Kumaraswamy asserted on Saturday that the Congress-led Karnataka government lacks the necessary strength to persuade its Tamil Nadu counterpart regarding the Mekedatu project and is merely squandering time with rhetoric.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru prior to the DISHA Committee meeting, the minister criticized the Congress administration.

"If the Congress government in the state truly possesses strength, it should convince the Tamil Nadu government about the Mekedatu project. I can secure the Prime Minister's endorsement for the project in five minutes. I stand by this assertion, made even during the elections," the Union Minister reiterated.

"The Congress government in Karnataka lacks the strength to engage with Tamil Nadu or the courage to confront the DMK. Only if the Tamil Nadu government is boldly challenged and the Mekedatu project is pursued can progress be made," he emphasized.

Kumaraswamy further claimed that the Mekedatu project remains unfeasible under Congress leadership. "What is the purpose of opening an office for Mekedatu without convincing Tamil Nadu? Congress leaders promised to implement the project. They should deliver on their commitments," he stated.

"They came to power after conducting a padayatra in the name of Mekedatu. Over the past two and a half years, they have done nothing but waste time. How can they now blame me?" the Union Minister questioned.

The Mekedatu Project proposes a multi-purpose reservoir and drinking water project across the Cauvery River at Mekedatu in the Ramanagara district of Karnataka.

The aim is to ensure a stable drinking water supply for Bengaluru and its surrounding regions while also facilitating power generation through a hydropower facility.

Tamil Nadu opposes this initiative, fearing it will diminish the flow of Cauvery water downstream, thereby breaching Supreme Court mandates and interstate water-sharing agreements.

Karnataka contends that the project will not impact Tamil Nadu's water share and is crucial for meeting Bengaluru's drinking water requirements.

In response to Minister Priyank Kharge's criticisms of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Union Minister Kumaraswamy remarked: "Instead of disparaging the RSS, he should first explain what he and his party have accomplished for Kalyana Karnataka over the past 40 years."

"Forget banning the RSS; the Congress party itself is facing rejection across the nation. People are turning away from Congress everywhere. First, they should focus on preserving their own party's future. Priyank Kharge is merely attempting to distract from real issues with such thoughtless remarks," Kumaraswamy asserted.

The Union Minister claimed that since the BJP and JD(S) formed an alliance, Congress leaders have been unable to find peace.

He ridiculed Congress leaders for their assertions of returning to power.

"I have not been intentionally avoiding meetings. As a Union Minister, I have numerous prior commitments, including official trips to other states. Nonetheless, I prioritize Mandya and visit frequently. None of my responsibilities have been neglected," he assured.

During his visit, Union Minister Kumaraswamy presided over the Mysuru District Development and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting at the Zilla Panchayat office.