K'taka BJP chief writes to Tamil Nadu CM, seeks cooperation on Cauvery, Mekedatu
Bengaluru, Aug 2
Karnataka BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra on Sunday wrote an open letter to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, urging him to adopt a statesmanlike approach during discussions with Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar on the Cauvery River dispute and to extend support for the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project.
In the letter, Vijayendra urged the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to view the proposed Mekedatu project in a spirit of cooperation.
He said the project could substantially meet Bengaluru's drinking water requirements without affecting Tamil Nadu's legitimate share of water. Support for the project, he added, would become a powerful symbol of cooperation between the two states.
Vijayendra said Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have shared a deep and enduring relationship for centuries, built on common history, culture, trade and the close bonds between their people. He noted that both states have lived as "brother states" founded on mutual respect and goodwill.
He highlighted that millions of Tamils have made Karnataka, particularly Bengaluru, their home and have contributed significantly to its growth, while Kannadigas living and working in Tamil Nadu have also played an important role in the neighbouring state's progress and prosperity. This mutual dependence, he said, reflects a people-to-people relationship that transcends state boundaries.
Acknowledging that differences between neighbouring states are inevitable, Vijayendra said what matters is how they are resolved.
He recalled the long-pending issue surrounding the installation of the Thiruvalluvar statue in Bengaluru, stating that it was ultimately resolved through the statesmanship of former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and the magnanimity of former Tamil Nadu CM M. Karunanidhi.
According to him, their approach demonstrated that even difficult issues can be resolved when the larger interests of the people prevail.
Referring to reports that Tamil Nadu CM Joseph Vijay would soon visit Bengaluru to hold talks with Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar on the Cauvery issue, Vijayendra appealed to him to approach the discussions with empathy towards Karnataka's farmers and citizens and in the same spirit of statesmanship.
Describing the Cauvery as the lifeline of Bengaluru and several towns in its basin, Vijayendra said millions of people, including both Kannadigas and Tamils living in Karnataka, depend on the river for drinking water. At a time when an uncertain monsoon has placed immense pressure on farmers and citizens, he said their concerns cannot be ignored.
Expressing hope that Joseph Vijay would protect Tamil Nadu's interests while respecting Karnataka's legitimate concerns, Vijayendra said such an approach would strengthen the historic relationship between the neighbouring states.
He concluded the letter with the message: "Let the Cauvery unite our people rather than divide them."
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is a welcome move. The reference to Thiruvalluvar statue shows that statesmanship can resolve even the toughest disputes. But will the TN CM actually reciprocate? Politically, it's tough for him to appear 'soft' on Cauvery. Let's see what comes out of the meeting.
I live in Mysuru and my farmer uncle is struggling badly due to erratic monsoon. Politicians keep talking about cooperation, but farmers on both sides need practical solutions. I hope CM Joseph Vijay understands this isn't just politics, it's about livelihoods.
As someone from TN now settled in Bangalore for 10 years, I feel both states' pain. We Tamils have contributed to Karnataka's growth, just like Kannadigas in TN. The Cauvery should bind us, not break us. This letter gives me hope. 🤞
Politicians always talk about 'statesmanship' when it suits them. Where was this spirit when Karnataka farmers were protesting? I'm not against Mekedatu, but the approach should be based on data and science, not just letters and appeals. Ground reality matters more than symbolism.
It's encouraging to see cross-party outreach at the state level. The example of Thiruvalluvar statue being installed despite years of delay shows what mutual respect can achieve. I genuinely hope CM Joseph Vijay responds in kind. The people of both states deserve peace over politics.
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