Stalin says CM Vijay 'isolated' on Cauvery row, demands all-party meeting

DMK president M K Stalin on Saturday accused Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay of standing "isolated" on the Cauvery issue after his proposed visit to Karnataka drew opposition, and urged him to convene an all-party meeting to formulate the state's strategy.

Stalin said political parties and farmers' organisations had advised Vijay against visiting Karnataka for talks on the Mekedatu project, arguing that negotiations would not resolve the long-running river water dispute.

The former CM alleged that Karnataka had made it clear the visit was unnecessary after the Cauvery Water Management Authority ordered water to be released to Tamil Nadu, reinforcing the state's long-held view that legal remedies, not negotiations were the only effective way to protect its water rights.

"After telling our chief minister not to come, the Karnataka chief minister convened an all-party meeting, showing they are united," Stalin said, asking Vijay when he would call a similar meeting in Tamil Nadu.

"By trying to do a solo act, the chief minister stands isolated," he added.

Stalin's remarks came a day after the DMK's mouthpiece Murasoli criticised Vijay's proposed outreach to Karnataka, claiming it was aimed more at creating the impression of action than securing Tamil Nadu's interests.

The editorial alleged that the TVK-led government, which depends on Congress support, could neither challenge the Congress government in Karnataka nor the BJP-led Centre effectively.

It also argued that Karnataka, irrespective of whether it is ruled by the Congress or the BJP, has consistently resisted orders of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and the Cauvery Water Management Authority, and urged the Tamil Nadu government to safeguard the state's legally established rights over the Cauvery River.

(Source: PTI)