CHENNAI: Former Tamil Nadu BJP president and ‘We The Leaders’ movement founder K Annamalai said the proposed Mekedatu dam project should not be pursued at the cost of Tamil Nadu’s interests, urging the chief ministers of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to find a fair solution to the inter-state dispute.Addressing a gathering in Chennai, Annamalai said he had consistently stood for the interests of the people of Tamil Nadu and recalled that the Tamil Nadu BJP had opposed the project even when he was part of the party.“I have always stood for the interests of Tamil people and for change. Even when I was in the BJP, the Tamil Nadu BJP opposed the Mekedatu project,” he told news agency ANI.Expressing faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Annamalai said, “I have faith in Modi ji. He is an honest person who does not do wrong.”“When an issue affects two states, the Chief Ministers of both states should be brought together, and a fair solution should be found,” he added.Annamalai acknowledged Karnataka’s need to meet Bengaluru’s drinking water requirements but maintained that it should not come at the cost of Tamil Nadu’s interests.“Karnataka should also receive drinking water for Bengaluru, but another dam should not be constructed at the cost of Tamil Nadu’s interests,” he said.The Mekedatu project has long been a contentious issue between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, with the two states at odds over the proposed dam and its potential impact on downstream water availability.Meanwhile, recalling a conversation with Union Home Minister Amit Shah shortly before leaving the BJP, Annamalai said Shah had asked him to move to Delhi, take up a responsibility and remain there for more than three years.However, Annamalai said he chose to continue his political journey in the region.“Amit Shah told me to come to Delhi and take up a responsibility and stay there for more than three years. I told him that it would not suit me and that I would remain here and continue serving the people. I always followed his principles in politics and would continue to work for Tamil Nadu and social change irrespective of whether I am inside or outside the BJP,” Annamalai said.K Annamalai also alleged that corruption had returned to the state under the TVK government, claiming that some ministers had taken bribes.“Let us give the government one year and see its performance. If it does not govern properly, we will be the first to raise questions. But why run around as though hot water has been poured on your feet? Give them time to work. Corruption was said to have stopped, but it has started again. Some ministers have now started taking bribes. I have audio evidence. I am telling the Chief Minister now, before we raise the issue after one year. The Chief Minister wants to eliminate corruption. He should ensure that his ministers also follow the same principle,” he said.(With agency inputs)
