DMK criticises Tamil Nadu government for lack of clarity on Cauvery issue

Former DMK minister S. Regupathy on Sunday (August 2, 2026) accused the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led government of remaining passive on the crucial Cauvery water dispute. He also criticised Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay for failing to clarify the government's stand on the matter.

In a statement issued in Chennai, Mr. Regupathy said that as Chief Minister, Mr. Vijay had a responsibility to explain the government's position on vital issues such as the Cauvery dispute. He claimed that Mr. Vijay had been avoiding interaction with the media to protect his public image.

Mr. Regupathy said neither the Chief Minister nor Water Resources Minister N. Anand had spelt out the government's stand on Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu project. He demanded that the government convene an all-party meeting to deliberate on the issue.

The former minister also took exception to Electricity Minister R. Nirmalkumar's remarks that there was no need for an all-party meeting on the Cauvery issue. Mr. Regupathy alleged that Mr. Nirmalkumar had insulted Opposition parties in Tamil Nadu as well as former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi through his comments.

“While the Tamil Nadu government remains silent, the Karnataka Chief Minister is holding regular high-level meetings, meeting Union Ministers and convening all-party meetings on the issue,” he said.

Mr. Regupathy contended that the Chief Minister's silence would create the impression that Tamil Nadu was being governed by a weak administration. “It is not only neighbouring States but even the Governor who will begin to view the Tamil Nadu government as weak. The Chief Minister's refusal to consult political parties and his apparent rest mode during weekends have caused serious concern among farmers,” he added.

Meanwhile, DMK legal wing deputy secretary I. Paranathan strongly objected to Mr. Nirmalkumar's comments on Karunanidhi. He noted that it was Karunanidhi who had secured the establishment of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal. “He has no locus standi to speak about Kalaignar,” Mr. Paranathan said.

Responding to Mr. Nirmalkumar's contention that an all-party meeting was unnecessary because every political party had its own stand, Mr. Paranathan stressed that it was the Chief Minister's responsibility to build consensus among political parties on issues affecting the State. “All Chief Ministers in the past had convened all-party meetings on matters concerning the Cauvery dispute,” he said.

The Cauvery water dispute is a long-standing inter-State issue between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The proposed Mekedatu project by Karnataka has been a point of contention, with Tamil Nadu opposing it on the grounds that it would violate the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal. The dispute has periodically escalated, impacting farmers and political discourse in both States.

The TVK government, which came to power recently, has yet to formally announce its position on the Mekedatu project. The Opposition parties have been demanding a clear stance and an all-party meeting to ensure a unified approach.