Left parties want all-party meet on Mekedatu dam row

Trichy: Hundreds of workers from CPI(M), CPI, and CPI(ML) Liberation protested in Thanjavur on Thursday, opposing Karnataka's plan to construct a dam across the Cauvery river at Mekedatu. They urged the Tamil Nadu government to convene an all-party meeting and then resolve the dispute with Karnataka.The protesters condemned the Karnataka government for violating the final verdict of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and the Supreme Court, and criticised the Union government for its indifferent attitude towards protecting Tamil Nadu's water rights.Addressing reporters, CPI(M) state secretary P Shanmugam warned of severe consequences for the delta districts if the project materialises. "Tamil Nadu government should take a firm, uncompromising stand on the issue," he said.Shanmugam added, "These actions damage the goodwill between the people of the two states. If the Karnataka government continues in this manner, it will create a law and order problem."CPI state secretary M Veerapandian echoed similar concerns. "Constructing this dam will question the friendship, emotions, and long-standing relationships between the two states. This concerns the unity and integrity of the country," he said.Both leaders emphasised that Tamil Nadu, being a water-scarce state, cannot afford any further upstream storage by Karnataka.