‘Ready to face insults’: CM Vijay defends Cauvery talks, rejects Udhayanidhi’s demand for all-party meet

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Friday said it was his idea to initiate dialogue with neighbouring Karnataka over the long-standing Cauvery water dispute, expressing hope that talks could help find a positive solution while reaffirming that the state would continue pursuing legal remedies.

Addressing the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Vijay said he was prepared to “bear insults” if engaging with Karnataka served the interests of the people of Tamil Nadu.

‘Ready to face insults for Tamil Nadu’

Responding to Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin, who raised concerns over the Cauvery dispute, Vijay said Tamil Nadu’s approach had evolved over the decades—from negotiations to legal action—but maintained that his government’s commitment to protecting the state’s water rights remained unchanged.

“I thought, why not hold talks with the neighbouring state? Even countries that are sworn enemies engage in dialogue to resolve disputes,” the chief minister said, adding that he had planned to visit Karnataka for discussions on the issue.

Rejects call for all-party meeting

During the debate, Udhayanidhi Stalin urged the government to convene an all-party meeting over Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir project on the Cauvery River.

He argued that political parties across Tamil Nadu were demanding a united stand on the issue and questioned why the government was reluctant to hold such a meeting.

Vijay, however, dismissed the need for an all-party meeting, assuring the Assembly that his government would take all necessary steps to safeguard Tamil Nadu’s interests.

He also criticised the Opposition and asserted that the TVK-led government would not compromise on the state’s rights over Cauvery waters.

Mekedatu project remains flashpoint

The Cauvery water dispute has long been a contentious issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, particularly during years of low rainfall and reduced river flow.

The proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir has emerged as the latest flashpoint, with Tamil Nadu consistently opposing the project on the grounds that it could reduce downstream water availability.

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, however, has defended the project, describing it as a long-term solution to the Cauvery dispute and asserting that Tamil Nadu would ultimately be among its biggest beneficiaries.