Congress Backs Tamil Nadu on Mekedatu Dam, June 12

Congress leader P. Chidambaram said his party will back Tamil Nadu’s position on the Mekedatu dam dispute with Karnataka. The statement signals Congress support for the new TVK government led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. Congress backed TVK in recent elections to prevent political deadlock and block a potential BJP entry through President’s Rule.

Congress Commits to State Water Dispute Position

Chidambaram told reporters on Thursday that Congress would support whatever decision the Tamil Nadu government makes on the Mekedatu dam issue. He said Congress had historically backed state governments on Cauvery river water disputes, regardless of which party held power. The Karnataka government wants to build the dam across the Mekedatu, which has sparked fierce opposition from Tamil Nadu farmers and political parties.

Why Congress Backed the TVK Government

Congress supported Chief Minister Vijay’s TVK party to prevent a re-election or President’s Rule, Chidambaram explained. He said President’s Rule would amount to BJP rule through the back door. TVK won 35% of the vote share in recent elections, far exceeding the combined 24% of the DMK-led alliance. Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK, and IUML all backed TVK to ensure stable governance and protect state autonomy.

New Government Needs Time to Settle In

Chidambaram urged critics and media to give the TVK administration a grace period of three to six months. He noted that 31 of the cabinet ministers have no prior assembly experience, and 101 MLAs entered the legislative assembly for the first time. The new government faces immense logistical challenges in learning their portfolios and administrative duties.

Congress Defends Support Based on Core Values

Chidambaram said Congress backs TVK because the party has declared secularism and state rights as core principles. He stated these two ideological positions align with Congress values and justify the alliance. Congress will continue supporting TVK as long as it does not deviate from these fundamental ideologies. Chidambaram also noted that former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin did not inform him about leaving the INDIA bloc when they met after the election.

Final Thoughts

Congress backing for Tamil Nadu’s Mekedatu position reflects its larger strategy to support the TVK government and prevent political instability. The party’s commitment hinges on TVK maintaining its secular and state-rights stance.

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