Palaniswami warns Tamil Nadu's tribunal demand on Mekedatu could create legal complexities

AIADMK general secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Monday stated that the Tamil Nadu government's demand for a separate tribunal over the Mekedatu dam proposal would lead to legal complexities. He made the remarks during a debate on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor's Address in the Assembly.

Mr. Palaniswami emphasised that the Mekedatu issue is sensitive for the people of Tamil Nadu, particularly farmers, and urged the Speaker to allow AIADMK legislator O.S. Manian to speak on the matter. He noted that both previous AIADMK and DMK governments had organised all-party meetings on major issues, including the Cauvery water dispute, and criticised the current TVK-led government for proceeding without such consensus.

The Chair, however, stated that Ministers for Water Resources and Public Works had already addressed the concerns raised by the AIADMK earlier in the day. Public Works Minister Aadhav Arjuna said Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay had analysed developments over the past 40 years before arriving at the decision to seek a new tribunal.

DMK legislator and former Minister E.V. Velu cautioned that continued debate on the government's decision could undermine unity among Tamil Nadu parties and embolden the Karnataka government.