CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is facing his first major political test since assuming office, as the long-standing Cauvery water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka ignites a fierce political showdown between the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the main opposition, the DMK.
Opposition Pressure and TVK’s Refusal
The Opposition, led by the DMK, has been mounting relentless pressure on the TVK-led administration to convene an all-party meeting to address the worsening water crisis and safeguard Tamil Nadu’s agricultural rights.
Criticizing the Chief Minister’s reluctance, the DMK highlighted that the neighboring Karnataka government has already held a similar all-party consultation regarding the controversial Mekedatu Dam project across the Cauvery basin.
However, the ruling TVK government firmly rejected the demand, maintaining that the Opposition is using the Cauvery issue as a tool to create political friction rather than serving the state’s interest.
TVK’s Defense and Political Allegations
Refuting the need for a fresh meeting, senior TVK leader CTR Nirmal Kumar pointed out that the issue had already been debated extensively in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, where a resolution was passed unanimously with the support of all political parties.
”A resolution was passed unanimously in the Legislative Assembly with the support of all political parties. Then what is the necessity of an all-party meeting? The DMK is only trying to create problems for our Chief Minister and is not concerned about the welfare of Tamil Nadu,” stated CTR Nirmal Kumar.
He further alleged that the Karnataka Chief Minister maintains close ties with the DMK’s leadership family, questioning the opposition’s intentions.
Showdown Escalates: Protests Planned
Historically, both DMK and AIADMK regimes have convened all-party summits during pivotal moments in the Cauvery water dispute. Breaking away from this traditional precedent, Vijay reportedly planned direct bilateral discussions by traveling to Bengaluru to meet the Karnataka Chief Minister. However, the proposed visit was called off due to heightened tensions in the neighboring state.
In response to the government’s refusal to assemble an all-party meet, the DMK has announced a massive protest in Thanjavur to condemn the TVK government’s handling of the Cauvery dispute and agricultural welfare issues. Despite the escalating pressure, TVK government sources maintain full confidence in protecting Tamil Nadu’s legitimate share of Cauvery water.
