Political leaders fear huge setback for Tamil Nadu; protest amplifying against CM Vijay

CHENNAI: MK Stalin opposed Chief Minister Vijay's scheduled visit to Karnataka for discussions on the Cauvery issue. Former state chief minister Stalin came forward demanding that the Chief Minister withdraw from the wrong move amid protests in Tamil Nadu regarding Vijay's visit to Karnataka.

Stalin clarified that Tamil Nadu has adopted a legal battle stance instead of discussions to date. AIADMK is demanding an all-party meeting on the issue. Edappadi Palaniswami responded that a meeting with Karnataka at the Chief Minister's level on this issue will be a setback for Tamil Nadu. Vijay's meeting with Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has been scheduled for August 3.

The Cauvery water issue is a decades-old dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over the sharing of water in the Cauvery river. After years of legal battles, the Supreme Court issued a final verdict in 2018. However, Tamil Nadu is not currently being given water commensurate with the Supreme Court order. In addition, Karnataka is moving to build a dam across the Cauvery River. It is in this context that Vijay expressed his interest in meeting the Karnataka Chief Minister.

In recent days, due to protests by Kannada organisations, Tamil Nadu buses were stopped from reaching Hosur. Stalin and his ilk have made it clear that there is no point in holding talks with Karnataka. Vijay wants to take a different approach and bring results.

Earlier, promises were broken, leading to a worsening relationship on the issue between the two states. It is against this backdrop that protests are being raised against Vijay's decision. TVK also observes that a backlash at any level will dampen Vijay's political image.