A significant political dispute has emerged within the Congress party concerning the proposed Mekedatu dam project across the Cauvery river, pitting regional factions against each other. Karnataka has strongly claimed its right to construct the dam, appealing to authorities for swift government clearances to move the initiative forward.
In contrast, leaders from Tamil Nadu, including members of the Congress state unit, have strongly condemned the planned construction. They argue that building the dam without the consent of downstream regions poses a direct threat to the livelihoods of local farmers, prompting calls for an all-party meeting to halt the project.
Despite the fierce opposition from neighboring Tamil Nadu, Karnataka maintains that the project is entirely legal. State officials assert that the infrastructure is designed to balance local water requirements while still fulfilling Tamil Nadu's legally allocated share of the river's water.