Chennai witnessed a sharp political exchange on Tuesday as Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran and Tamil Nadu Congress president Manickam Tagore accused each other of “betraying Tamil Nadu”. The war of words centred on state rights and the long-running Mekedatu dam dispute.
Nagendran alleged that the Congress had repeatedly compromised Tamil Nadu’s rights in favour of other states. He also claimed that despite being part of the state Cabinet, the Congress was attempting to act against Tamil Nadu farmers in connection with the Mekedatu dam issue.
Further, the BJP leader said the Congress had, on several occasions, undermined the federal structure, and questioned its credibility in speaking about state rights now.
Responding, Tagore said it was the Prime Minister’s responsibility to resolve inter-state disputes, including river-water issues, in a smooth manner. He accused the BJP-led government of failing to find an amicable solution in line with the Supreme Court’s verdict and instead staging “political drama” that fuels confrontation between states.
Tagore also challenged Nagendran to secure an assurance from Karnataka BJP leaders that they would not press for the Mekedatu dam. He added that people of Tamil Nadu know who is betraying them, and claimed that is why the Congress has been given a share in power while the BJP has been rejected.
