Congress Leader Criticizes PMK Chief Over Water Dispute Comments

Congress Leader's Response to PMK Chief's Remarks

B. Manikam Tagore, the president of the Tamil Nadu Congress unit, criticized PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss on Friday for dragging opposition leader Rahul Gandhi into the ongoing Cauvery water dispute. Tagore emphasized that it is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's fundamental duty to resolve this inter-state issue. The Lok Sabha member issued a statement in response to Anbumani's recent comments.

Anbumani had challenged Rahul Gandhi to oppose the proposed Mekedatu dam project in Karnataka ahead of his visit to Chennai on August 1. Tagore claimed, “Anbumani had declared that if Rahul Gandhi opposes the construction of the reservoir, the PMK would be ready to exit the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).” He dismissed Anbumani's remarks as unnecessary and politically motivated, asserting that the responsibility for implementing water release orders lies entirely with the central government. He noted, “Due to insufficient rainfall this year, Tamil Nadu has not received its allocated share of Cauvery water.”

Tagore pointed out that the Cauvery Water Management Authority has instructed Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water daily for the next 15 days. He stated that it is Prime Minister Modi's duty to engage in discussions with the chief ministers of both states and ensure compliance with the authority's directives. The Congress leader alleged that 'the people of Tamil Nadu feel that the Prime Minister is failing to fulfill this duty.' He urged Anbumani Ramadoss, as a member of the ruling NDA and a Rajya Sabha member with direct access to the Prime Minister, to meet with Modi and the central water resources platform instead of targeting the opposition leader. Tagore appealed for Anbumani to collaborate with all political parties in Tamil Nadu to present a united front before the center, rather than engaging in 'petty politics.'