Chennai

Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) general secretary Vaiko on Tuesday spearheaded a demonstration near the Collector's Office in Chennai, opposing Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu dam project and expressing concerns over its potential consequences for Tamil Nadu's water resources and farming sector.

Joined by party functionaries and supporters, Vaiko urged the Union government to stop Karnataka from moving forward with the project on the Cauvery River.

Addressing protesters, the veteran leader argued that the dam could seriously affect Tamil Nadu's access to water. He claimed that nearly five crore people in the state could face adverse consequences if the project is implemented. According to him, farmers are already struggling due to inadequate irrigation water, resulting in declining agricultural productivity.

Vaiko maintained that the proposed reservoir could further reduce the availability of water needed for both drinking purposes and cultivation. He said the concerns of farmers in the Cauvery delta region must be taken seriously, given the long-standing disputes over sharing river water between the two states.

The MDMK chief also criticised Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi over the depiction of celebrated Tamil poet-saint Thiruvalluvar. Alleging an attempt to associate the literary icon with a particular political ideology, Vaiko described the portrayal of Thiruvalluvar in saffron attire as unacceptable.

Announcing further agitation, he said his party would organise a black-flag protest near Raj Bhavan on June 7 to register its opposition to the Governor's actions.

Opposition to the Mekedatu project has been growing in Tamil Nadu, with several political parties and farmers' organisations voicing apprehensions over its impact on water flow from the Cauvery. Farmers' groups have repeatedly argued that any reduction in river water reaching Tamil Nadu would threaten agriculture and livelihoods across the state's delta districts.

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Recently, large numbers of farmers participated in a rally in Nagapattinam demanding the withdrawal of the proposed project and seeking a waiver of agricultural loans. The protest witnessed tense scenes when police attempted to stop the march, leading to brief confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement personnel.