Palaniswami, Anbumani criticise DMK govt. over SC observation on Mekedatu project

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami and PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss on Thursday cricticised the DMK government over the Supreme Court’s observation on the Mekedatu project.

The Supreme Court had termed Tamil Nadu’s application challenging Karnataka’s proposal to build a dam across the Cauvery at Mekedatu “premature”, and refused to entertain it. In the event of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) being approved, the affected parties, including Tamil Nadu, would be free to take measures in accordance with the law.

In a post on X, Mr. Palaniswami said the Supreme Court’s observation was shocking and disappointing. He claimed that the M.K. Stalin-led DMK government did not put forth strong arguments against the project. “Those in the DMK are only concerned about safeguarding their business interests in Karnataka,” Mr. Palaniswami alleged. He urged the DMK government to take appropriate measures to uphold the rights of the State.

In a separate statement, PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss said the Supreme Court’s observation had created an opportunity for the Centre to review the DPR for the project. The DMK did not put forth appropriate arguments, and had suffered a big defeat when it came to safeguarding the rights of the State over the Cauvery, he said. “The Supreme Court verdict is dangerous, and is favourable to Karnataka,” Dr. Anbumani said.

The DMK government should file a review petition, put forth strong arguments, and safeguard the rights of the State, he added.