Tamil Nadu Chief Minister (CM) C Joseph Vijay on Friday said he was willing to endure criticism and even ‘humiliation’ if it helped initiate constructive dialogue with neighbouring Karnataka state over the deep-rooted Cauvery water dispute. Addressing the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly, the CM asserted that his key responsibility was to shield the interests of the people of his state, even if that meant facing political backlash.

CM Vijay (Left) and Udhayanidhi Stalin (Right)

CM Vijay went on to say that it was him who had first proposed engaging Karnataka in discussions over the contentious issue, expressing hope that meaningful dialogue could facilitate a positive and lasting resolution.

He then underscored that public welfare remained paramount, and maintained that every possible avenue should be explored to resolve the decades-old inter-state dispute.

Govt firm on legal recourse

CM Vijay had been responding to the Leader of Opposition (LoP) of Tamil Nadu, Udhayanidhi Stalin, who had voiced concerns over the Cauvery issue in the Assembly. The Chief Minister reflected on the state’s evolving approach towards the dispute since 1969.

He noted that while earlier governments primarily relied on negotiations, the case eventually shifted towards legal adjudication.

Furthermore, CM Vijay clarified that his government remained firmly committed to pursuing all available legal remedies and that there had been no deviation from Tamil Nadu’s official stand. Concurrently, he defended his willingness to engage Karnataka in dialogue, contending that discussions need not undermine legal proceedings.

The CM remarked, “I wondered why neighbouring states could not hold talks when even countries with deep-rooted differences continue to engage in dialogue to resolve disputes,” explaining the rationale behind his proposal to visit Karnataka for discussions.

Oppn seeks all-party meeting over Mekedatu Dam

A sharp war of words also ensued in the TN Assembly over Karnataka’s Mekedatu balancing reservoir project on the Cauvery River. Udhayanidhi urged the ruling TVK government to convene an all-party meeting, claiming that political parties across the state had been demanding a united response to the project.

Stalin questioned why the TVK had refrained from calling such a meeting despite widespread concerns over the proposed reservoir and its potential impact on the state’s water share.

However, CM Vijay turned down the demand, saying that there was ‘no need’ for an all-party meeting at this juncture. He assured legislators that his administration remained unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding TN’s rights over Cauvery waters and would not compromise on the state’s interests under any circumstances.