In a powerful statement, former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda vowed that he would secure the approval for the long-awaited Mekedatu project from Prime Minister Narendra Modi “before my last breath.” Speaking at a campaign rally in Hodikehosahalli on Thursday in support of JD(S) candidate Nikhil Kumaraswamy, Gowda reiterated his commitment to pushing for the completion of the controversial Mekedatu project, which aims to construct a reservoir across the Kaveri river to provide drinking water to Bengaluru and surrounding areas.
The project, which has been a key issue in Karnataka’s political discourse for years, has faced delays due to opposition from Tamil Nadu, which claims that the project violates the inter-state river water-sharing agreements. Despite these hurdles, Gowda made it clear that he would continue to fight for its approval, particularly emphasising that it is Prime Minister Modi’s approval that is essential for the project’s success.
“The Mekedatu project can only move forward if Modi gives his approval—there’s no question about it,” said Gowda during the campaign rally. “However, Tamil Nadu has been holding us back. I will appeal to them and clarify the real situation. Prime Minister Modi has already listened to my requests several times,” he added, reflecting his persistent efforts to convince the central government on the project’s importance for Karnataka.
Gowda’s statements are particularly significant as the Mekedatu project has been one of his long-standing pet causes. The project, proposed during his tenure as Chief Minister of Karnataka, has seen significant political backing from the JD(S) and other local parties, who view it as crucial for the state’s water security, especially for Bengaluru, which faces perennial water shortages.
The rally, which saw JD(S) leaders, including Nikhil Kumaraswamy, engage with local voters, also became a platform for political criticism. JD(S) and BJP leaders used the occasion to target the state government, particularly focusing on issues related to the leadership of Yogeshwar and the D.K. Brothers (referring to Congress leaders D.K. Shivakumar and D.K. Suresh). The leaders from both parties accused the Congress administration of failing to deliver on promises related to development and governance in the state.
In contrast, Congress leaders intensified their own campaign efforts, especially in urban areas, rallying support among voters by showcasing the party’s initiatives and leadership in addressing issues such as urban infrastructure, job creation, and economic growth.
For JD(S), the Mekedatu project is not just a matter of water security but has also become a symbol of regional pride. Gowda’s emotional appeal to secure Modi’s approval serves as a reminder of the party’s focus on issues that resonate with the electorate in rural and semi-urban areas, where water scarcity is a major concern. By vowing to fight for the project, even in the face of political and legal challenges, Gowda is also positioning JD(S) as a party committed to advancing Karnataka’s interests at both the state and national levels.
Despite the challenges, including the legal and diplomatic hurdles posed by Tamil Nadu’s objections, the rally and Gowda’s statements highlight the continued importance of the Mekedatu project in Karnataka’s political landscape. As the project remains mired in bureaucratic delays and inter-state politics, the JD(S) continues to place it at the forefront of their campaign, hoping to mobilize voters around a shared vision of water security and regional development.
As the election season heats up, H.D. Deve Gowda’s vow to secure the approval of the Mekedatu project from Prime Minister Modi showcases his determination and long-term commitment to the cause. Whether or not the project can overcome the opposition from Tamil Nadu and clear the final hurdles remains to be seen, but for now, it remains a central issue in Karnataka’s political discourse, with the state’s water future at stake.