Congress in Tamil Nadu flays party govt in Karnataka over check dam

Chennai: Congress' Tamil Nadu unit on Thursday condemned the party-led government in Karnataka over its decision to construct a check dam across river Cauvery at Mekedatu, saying it was going ahead 'unilaterally' without Central clearance.

With the Centre yet to notify the Cauvery Management Board, Karnataka's decision to construct the reservoir was 'unacceptable to anyone,' TNCC president EVKS Elangovan said in a statement here.

"The unilateral decision to construct the check dam without getting Union Environment Ministry's clearance is condemnable," he said.

He also refuted criticism that his party was adopting double standards on inter-state river disputes, saying it was as committed to the welfare of the state as any other political party.

"Many rounds of talks were held before interim and final awards were given on the Cauvery dispute. And the Tribunal's verdict is equal to that of the Supreme Court. Karnataka Government's going against the final award of the Tribunal amounts to insulting court verdict," he said.

He extended Congress' support to a bandh called by farmers' associations on March 28 protesting against Karnataka and the Centre over the dam issue.