'They Do Politics...': Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar Lashes Out At Tamil Nadu Govt On Mekedatu Dam Issue
'They Do Politics...': Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar Lashes Out At Tamil Nadu Govt On Mekedatu Dam Issue Published By, Last Updated: June 04, 2026, 16:46
'They Do Politics...': Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar Lashes Out At Tamil Nadu Govt On Mekedatu Dam Issue Published By, Last Updated: June 04, 2026, 16:46 IST Karnataka CM DK Shivkumar defends Mekedatu project, says courts rejected Tamil Nadu appeal and DPR is with Centre, also backs free bus passes for all students despite fund concerns Karnataka govt argues that the reservoir is primarily meant to provide drinking water to Bengaluru and surrounding regions while also generating hydroelectric power Launching a scathing attack on the Tamil Nadu government over the Mekedatu Dam issue, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivkumar on Thursday said that “Irrespective of the party, Tamil Nadu will do their politics." “They already went to the SC and asked for a review to be heard, and the court has taken their decision and rejected the appeal. We will do our job; let them do their job." He further stated that “They are opposing the last 40-50 years.
Already matter has been decided by the court. Now we have already given our DPR to the central government and the matter lies with the central government." What is Mekedatu Project Issue The proposed Mekedatu project is planned near Kanakapura in Karnataka on the Cauvery river. Karnataka argues that the reservoir is primarily meant to provide drinking water to Bengaluru and surrounding regions while also generating hydroelectric power. The state has repeatedly maintained that the project will not affect Tamil Nadu’s allocated share of Cauvery water. Tamil Nadu, however, has consistently opposed the project. Its argument is that any additional storage structure upstream could potentially impact water flows to farmers in the Cauvery delta. The state has cited both the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal award and Supreme Court orders while opposing the project. The Vijay Angle News18 had reported earlier that the Mekedatu dispute was always likely to become one of chief minister Vijay’s first major political tests.
The issue combines Tamil identity, farmers’ concerns and inter-state water rights; all highly sensitive subjects in Tamil Nadu politics. After Karnataka renewed its push for the project, Vijay wrote to PM Narendra Modi seeking intervention and urging the Centre to reject Karnataka’s proposal. He argued that the project would violate existing legal arrangements governing Cauvery water sharing and adversely affect Tamil Nadu farmers. The Tamil Nadu government has also moved legal forums, including the Green Tribunal, to challenge Karnataka’s actions. CM Shivakumar On Free Bus Pass Speaking on opposition’s criticism of free bus pass for students amidst fund crunch, CM Shivakumar said, “We’re not doing this looking at elections. Looking at the quality of life is important. Guarantee schemes is for their livelihood. Price rise is on sky, we want them to have safe life." He said, “Students should get quality education and life. Whether boy or girl, whatever age, all of them will get free pass." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Amrit Burman Senior Journalist Amrit Burman is a seasoned Indian journalist with over seven years of experience across digital, print, and broadcast media.
He has worked with leading media houses including The Times of India, Repub... Read More Location: Karnataka, India, India First Published: June 04, 2026, 16:46 IST News india 'They Do Politics...': Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar Lashes Out At Tamil Nadu Govt On Mekedatu Dam Issue Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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