MDMK Chief Vaiko Demands Centre To Stop Karnataka's Mekedatu Dam Project Across Cauvery River

Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam chief Vaiko led a protest near the Collector's Office in Chennai against Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu dam project, accusing it of threatening Tamil Nadu's water security, drinking water supply and farm output linked to the Cauvery River.

Joined by party leaders and many workers, Vaiko urged the Union government to step in and stop Karnataka from building the Mekedatu dam across the Cauvery, arguing that any change in river flow would affect irrigation and daily water use across large parts of Tamil Nadu.

Mekedatu dam project protest and Cauvery concerns

Addressing party workers at the protest site, Vaiko said, "The Union government should not allow Karnataka to construct the Mekedatu Dam. If this dam is constructed in Karnataka, then 5 crore people in Tamil Nadu will be affected. Already due to a lack of water for irrigation, agricultural production is decreasing."

The veteran leader said the Mekedatu dam project could deepen existing tensions over Cauvery water-sharing, noting that farmers in the delta belt have long complained about reduced inflow, which has already affected crop cycles, yields and the stability of rural livelihoods in Tamil Nadu.

Political reaction to Mekedatu dam project and Governor row

Vaiko also targeted Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi during the demonstration, accusing the Governor of trying to alter how Tamil poet-saint Thiruvalluvar is portrayed in public spaces and alleging an attempt to link the cultural icon with a specific political colour.

Vaiko said, "I condemn the Tamil Nadu Governor for saffronising Thiruvalluvar. It was the most atrocious decision to show Thiruvalluvar wearing a saffron cloth. On June 7, we will hold a protest with black flags against the Governor near Lok Bhavan," linking that plan to the wider resistance and the Mekedatu dam project.

Farmer rallies against Mekedatu dam project and water impact

The demonstration in Chennai followed growing resistance by political parties and farmers' groups in Tamil Nadu, who argue that the Mekedatu dam project could reduce Cauvery water flow to the state, threatening agriculture and jobs in the delta districts that rely heavily on canal irrigation.

Last week, hundreds of farmers marched in Nagapattinam seeking a farm loan waiver and pressing both the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government to block the Mekedatu dam project, with the rally, organised by farmers' associations, briefly turning tense when police tried to stop the march, leading to a short scuffle before the situation eased.

With multiple protests now planned, including the announced black-flag demonstration at Lok Bhavan on June 7, Mekedatu dam project opposition in Tamil Nadu is drawing support from farmers, political outfits and civil groups, all insisting that any decision on the Cauvery must protect existing water rights and agricultural needs in the state.

With inputs from ANI