Mekedatu Deadlock to End? CM Vijay May Visit Bengaluru

Tamil Nadu Agriculture Minister R Vinoth on Friday confirmed that Karnataka has extended an official invitation to Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, with the latter likely to visit the neighbouring state to safeguard Tamil Nadu's interests.

Speaking to reporters, Vinoth said the invitation had been formally extended to Vijay by the Karnataka government. His remarks came amid reports that the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister may visit Bengaluru on August 3. However, the minister did not officially confirm the reported date.

Vinoth clarified that the invitation was extended specifically to the Chief Minister and indicated that the proposed visit would focus on issues concerning the interests of Tamil Nadu and its people.

When asked about the purpose of Vijay's possible Bengaluru visit, Vinoth said the objective would be to "secure what is good for the people, what is good for Tamil Nadu."

The minister also reiterated Tamil Nadu's firm opposition to the proposed Mekedatu dam project in Karnataka. Reaffirming the state's longstanding position, he said Tamil Nadu would never allow the project to be constructed.

The development comes against the backdrop of recent statements from Karnataka's leadership expressing willingness to engage with Tamil Nadu on the contentious inter-state water issue.

On June 18, Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said he was ready to hold discussions with Vijay on the Mekedatu project at any time and called for both states to keep political considerations aside.

Two days later, Karnataka Major Irrigation Minister Ramalinga Reddy also said Karnataka was open to bilateral discussions, provided Tamil Nadu was willing to participate.

The proposed visit, if it takes place, could therefore provide an opportunity for the two neighbouring states to discuss the Mekedatu dispute, even as Tamil Nadu maintains its strong opposition to the construction of the dam.