DMK MPs Stage Protest in Parliament During Monsoon Session Over Cauvery Water Dispute

Members of Parliament from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) staged a demonstration at Makar Dwar inside the Parliament complex on Tuesday, demanding action over the ongoing Cauvery water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The issue has regained political attention following renewed discussions around Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir project. Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed the project, arguing that it could reduce the downstream flow of Cauvery water and negatively affect farmers in the state.

A day earlier, former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin said the state was supposed to receive Cauvery water by June 12, but the release has still not taken place. He warned that the party would intensify its protests if the concerns of farmers continue to be ignored. Sharing his views on X, Stalin said it was unfortunate that while the festival of Aadi Perukku, traditionally associated with the river's abundance, was being observed, farmers in the Cauvery delta were instead protesting over the lack of water for cultivation.

He also thanked leaders of allied parties, including representatives from the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK), Manithaneya Jananayaga Katchi (MJK), the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), farmer associations, and DMK workers for joining the demonstrations in support of the farming community. Stalin reiterated that despite the passage of nearly two months beyond the expected release date, Cauvery water had still not reached Tamil Nadu.

The DMK chief also criticised Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, accusing him of remaining silent despite Karnataka's refusal to release water. Stalin questioned whether the interests of Tamil Nadu's farmers were being compromised to maintain cordial ties with the neighbouring state. He further asked why the Tamil Nadu government had not convened an all-party meeting on the Mekedatu project, pointing out that Karnataka had already held a similar meeting to discuss the issue.

Stalin also expressed concern over the alleged arrest of Tamil Nadu farmers during protests in Nagpur, accusing the state government of failing to stand up for the farming community. Referring to Vijay's past portrayal of a farmer in films, he said the Chief Minister had not spoken out against the hardships faced by real farmers. Emphasising that protecting Tamil Nadu's share of Cauvery water is essential, Stalin said the DMK would continue its agitation until concrete measures are taken to safeguard farmers' interests.

Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin led a large protest in Thanjavur, demanding immediate steps to secure the state's rights over Cauvery water. The protest also called for a complete waiver of agricultural crop loans and a special financial relief package for farmers in the Cauvery delta region. Udhayanidhi alleged that Tamil Nadu farmers who travelled to Delhi to protest against the Mekedatu project were detained in Maharashtra and criticised the state government for not condemning the incident. He claimed the silence was due to the BJP-led government in Maharashtra.

The Cauvery water dispute remains one of India's longest-running inter-state river conflicts, primarily involving Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. At the heart of the dispute is the sharing of river water, particularly during years of inadequate rainfall, when both states depend heavily on the river for agriculture and drinking water.