Bengaluru: Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra has written an open letter to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, urging him to respect Karnataka’s constitutional rights, drinking water requirements and interests in the ongoing Cauvery water dispute and the proposed Mekedatu project.
In the letter, Vijayendra said the Cauvery is the lifeline of both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and stressed that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and mutual cooperation rather than political confrontation. He maintained that the Mekedatu project is essential to meet the future drinking water needs of Bengaluru, farmers and people of Karnataka.
Highlighting the close relationship between the two states, Vijayendra said lakhs of Tamils have made Karnataka, particularly Bengaluru, their home and contributed significantly to its growth, while Kannadigas living in Tamil Nadu have also played an important role in that state’s development.
He said both states should respect the decisions of the courts and the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and avoid attempts to inflame public sentiment for political gains.
Appealing to the Tamil Nadu government not to obstruct Karnataka’s development projects, Vijayendra urged it to work towards protecting the interests of both states. He reiterated that opposition to the Mekedatu project was unjustified and called for resolving the Cauvery issue based on the principles of justice, the Constitution and mutual respect.