Chennai: Minister Adhav on Saturday said the Tamil Nadu government has no narrow political agenda and is open to considering constructive criticism from former Chief Minister and DMK leader M.K. Stalin, or from anyone else.
Responding to Stalin’s questions alleging that the Chief Minister had not taken steps on the Cauvery river water dispute and the proposed Mekedatu dam, Adhav said the claims were contrary to facts.
He said the state has been taking continuous and firm measures to protect the livelihood of delta farmers, the state’s drinking water security and Tamil Nadu’s legal water rights. According to him, the Water Resources Department has been consistently asserting Tamil Nadu’s position in meetings of the Cauvery Water Management Authority and the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee.
Adhav added that the government has repeatedly recorded that Karnataka must release Tamil Nadu’s due share of water on time and that unilateral actions by Karnataka are unacceptable. He said the Chief Minister-led administration is pursuing all legal, administrative and political steps to safeguard Tamil Nadu’s rights, while avoiding distractions by revisiting past lapses.
Stressing that the Cauvery water right is not a political issue, Adhav said it is a fundamental matter linked to people’s livelihood, the future of delta farmers and the state’s water security. He said the government under Chief Minister Vijay will continue to pursue all constitutional and lawful avenues until tribunal and Supreme Court rulings are fully implemented and Tamil Nadu’s rights are firmly established.
