Chennai: Opposition parties including the DMK, the Left and the PMK expressed objection to the Centre’s nod for Karnataka to carry out preliminary inspection for constructing the Mekedatu dam across Cauvery river.
DMK chief and leader of Opposition M.K Stalin took a broad swipe at the Centre stating that the Centre had approved Karnataka’s plans merely to intimidate Tamil Nadu. He also questioned as to why the Tamil Nadu government remained passive, till Karnataka obtained permission.
“The state government should not merely keep writing letters to the Centre, but should take the issue to the apex court to get a stay on the dam issue,” Stalin added.
Likewise, CPI state secretary R. Mutharasan said that it appeared that the Centre has given its nod in the face of the ensuing Parliament election. “It is highly condemnable, and the TN government should wage a legal battle on this prolonged issue at the Supreme Court, and win the suit,” he said, adding that it is a violation of the Supreme Court’s order.
PMK founder S. Ramadoss also condemned the Centre for permitting Karnataka to construct the dam. In a statement, Ramadoss said, “it is a collective conspiracy from both the Center and the State. There is already a back channel communication from both the Centre and Karnataka.”
Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy had continuously met Central water resources minister, Nitin Gatkari, he added.
Stating that giving permission to construct the dam is against the Supreme Court’s order, Ramadoss urged the Centre to revoke the permission for preliminary inspection. He also urged the TN government to file a case, if the center failed to cancel its permission.
The VCK and other parties also have severely condemned the Centre and demanded the government to step up pressure on the Centre to withdraw its permission to Karnataka.
