Chennai, July 2 (IANS) Strongly opposing Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu dam across the Cauvery river, the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) on Thursday resolved to continue its fight against the project, describing it as a threat to the rights of Tamil Nadu’s farmers and a violation of judicial orders.

The resolution was among three major resolutions adopted at a meeting of District Congress Committee presidents held at Sathyamurthy Bhavan in Chennai. The meeting was chaired by the newly appointed TNCC president and MP Manickam Tagore and led by Tamil Nadu Tourism Minister and Congress Legislature Party leader S. Rajesh Kumar.

The TNCC said the proposed Mekedatu dam was contrary to the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and the Supreme Court’s 2018 judgment.

Endorsing Manickam Tagore’s recent statement, the party asserted that not even a single brick would be allowed to be laid for the project without Tamil Nadu’s consent.

It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the interests of Cauvery delta farmers and vowed to continue opposing Karnataka’s efforts to construct the dam.

Another resolution congratulated Manickam Tagore on his appointment as president of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee by the All India Congress Committee.

The meeting noted that the appointment, announced by AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal on the directions of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, marked the beginning of a new phase for the party in the state.

The resolution observed that while Congress had remained part of ruling alliances since losing power in Tamil Nadu in 1967, it had not participated in government until now.

With two Congress ministers serving in the Vijay-led government, the party said it had entered a new era after nearly six decades.

It expressed confidence that Tagore would strengthen the organisation, expand the Congress’ vote base and help achieve the goal of winning all 40 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in the 2029 parliamentary elections.

District Congress leaders also pledged their full cooperation. The third resolution praised the performance of the TVK-led alliance government headed by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, and said it had achieved significant milestones within two months of taking office.

The TNCC said Vijay had chosen to form a secular government with the support of the Congress, VCK, Indian Union Muslim League and Left parties instead of seeking the support of the AIADMK.

It credited the government with introducing welfare measures including 200 units of free electricity, crop loan waivers for small and marginal farmers, a special Kuruvai cultivation package, expansion of the breakfast scheme up to Class 8, a special women’s task force, anti-drug initiatives and investment promotion efforts.

The party said CM Vijay had demonstrated strong leadership despite fiscal challenges and would emerge as a significant force in Tamil Nadu politics.

–IANS

aal/dpb