DMK slams Shivakumar over Mekedatu dam, asks TN CM Vijay to 'thwart' efforts to build reservoir

The DMK has accused Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar of displaying an "arrogant attitude" over the Mekedatu dam issue on the Cauvery river.

The DMK on Sunday lashed out at Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar over the Mekedatu dam issue, alleging he displayed ''arrogant attitude'' by claiming Tamil Nadu had no right to raise objection over the project on river Cauvery.

As per the Supreme Court order, no construction activity could be done at Mekedatu without the prior permission of the lower riparian states, senior DMK leader K N Nehru said.

The DMK principal secretary claimed Shivakumar has said that Tamil Nadu has no right to object to the dam ''and this shows his arrogant attitude.''.

''Looks like he has made such remarks thinking that a weak coalition government is in place in Tamil Nadu. He has made these audacious remarks thinking there will be no opposition since his Congress party is part of the government in the state,'' Nehru said in a statement.

''Shivakumar has said the Karnataka government is keen on constructing the dam. Our leader (DMK chief M K Stalin) will not hesitate to make any sacrifice to ensure Tamil Nadu's right in Cauvery river,'' Nehru added.

The issue has led to outrage in the Cauvery delta districts in Tamil Nadu, he said.

''The Chief Minister (C Joseph Vijay) should strongly condemn the Karnataka deputy CM for his remarks crushing (Tamil Nadu's) rights in Cauvery river... he should thwart efforts to construct the dam in the initial phase itself,'' the DMK leader demanded.

Karnataka plans to construct a balancing reservoir on river Cauvery at Mekedatu in that state to meet the twin objectives of drinking water requirements and power generation.