Bengaluru, 2 August

State BJP President BY Vijayendra on Sunday wrote to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, urging him to support the Mekedatu project and approach the Cauvery water issue with “empathy” towards the farmers of Karnataka.

The letter comes ahead of Vijay’s visit to Bengaluru to discuss the Cauvery water dispute with Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

“Both Kannadigas and Tamilians living in Karnataka depend on it (Cauvery) for their drinking-water needs,” Vijayendra wrote. “At a time when inadequate and erratic monsoons have placed enormous stress on farmers and citizens alike, their concerns cannot be overlooked."

Vijayendra hoped that Vijay would take a “statesman-like” position to the proposed Mekedatu dam, saying, “I appeal to you to view the Mekedatu project in the spirit of cooperation. It can significantly address Bengaluru's drinking-water requirements without compromising the legitimate water needs of Tamil Nadu. Your support for the project can become a powerful symbol of cooperation between our two states”.

He noted that dispute of Thiruvalluvar statue in Bengaluru was solved by the “statesmanship” of former CMs BS Yediyurappa and M Karunanidhi, and urged Vijay to act on similar principles.