Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) coordinator Seeman on Sunday, 24 May sharply condemned Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for asserting that Tamil Nadu has no standing to oppose the proposed Mekedatu Dam on the Cauvery River. Seeman called the remarks 'the height of arrogance' and accused Shivakumar of attempting to erase Tamil Nadu's historical and legal rights over the river.

What Seeman Said

In a formal statement, Seeman alleged that Karnataka's sustained push for the Mekedatu project is part of a broader effort to gain unilateral control over Cauvery waters at the expense of downstream states. He argued that such a move runs contrary to established inter-state river water-sharing principles, which explicitly recognise the rights of lower-riparian regions.

Seeman invoked the river's cultural depth, contending that the Cauvery's bond with Tamil civilisation predates both the formation of Karnataka as a state and the emergence of the Kannada language as a distinct identity. 'The Cauvery cannot be treated as the exclusive property of a single state,' he said, stressing that downstream regions hold a legitimate and legally recognised stake in equitable water distribution.

The Shivakumar Remarks

Shivakumar had reportedly stated that Tamil Nadu lacks the authority to challenge the Mekedatu Dam project — a position Seeman characterised as reflecting 'an attitude of dominance and disregard' for Tamil Nadu's concerns. The NTK coordinator strongly condemned the statement and demanded an official response from the Tamil Nadu government.

Appeal to Chief Minister Vijay

Seeman directly appealed to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to formally condemn Shivakumar's remarks and take an unambiguous stand against Karnataka's efforts to advance the Mekedatu dam. He urged the state government to move beyond statements and mount a firm legal and political opposition to the project.

Background: The Long-Running Cauvery Dispute

The Mekedatu project — a proposed balancing reservoir at the confluence of the Cauvery and Arkavathi rivers in Karnataka — has been a flashpoint between the two states for several years. Tamil Nadu has consistently argued that the reservoir would reduce downstream water flows, threatening both irrigation and drinking water supplies for millions of farmers and residents dependent on the river. The matter has previously been raised before the Supreme Court and the Cauvery Water Management Authority. This is the latest in a series of escalations that have punctuated the dispute, particularly during periods when Karnataka moves to revive the project in policy or public discourse.