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Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court verdict on the Mekedatu project, expressing gratitude to the legal team involved and terming it a significant development for the state.
He also downplayed political speculation surrounding his meeting with Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge in the national capital. Speaking to ANI, Shivakumar said the verdict related to the proposed Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir project had bolstered the state's position. "The Mekedatu judgment has come in our favour. We must express our gratitude to the lawyers. There is a meeting tomorrow as well regarding the same matter; we need to discuss what we should do going forward," the Deputy Chief Minister said. The Supreme Court, on November 13, had refused to entertain Tamil Nadu's application against Karnataka's plan for the construction of the Mekedatu dam on the Cauvery River, marking a crucial moment in the long-standing inter-state dispute. On the sidelines of his meeting with Mallikarjun Kharge earlier in the day, Shivakumar dismissed any speculation of extraordinary political developments. "It's natural for the state president and the national president to meet. There's nothing special about it. There were some party-related matters along with the office inauguration. Political activities are ongoing in the state," he said. Meanwhile, on Sunday, the Deputy Chief Minister reiterated his loyalty to the Congress and dismissed speculation over his resignation as Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President. "I have worked to build the party day in and day out, and I will continue to do so. My mental, physical and political health is good. I have to ensure that the foundation stone is laid for 100 Congress party offices in Karnataka. I am going to meet AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge. I have penned the book on Gandhi Bharat, and I have to fix the release date. We have to celebrate the foundation day of Congress," DK Shivakumar told reporters. "Who will do all this? I have to do it. Why should I resign from the KPCC Presidency? There is no need for it," DK Shivakumar responded when asked about rumours of his resigning from the KPCC Presidency. DK Shivakumar continued, "I will march forward as a loyal soldier of the party as long as the party wants me to continue as the KPCC President. I will continue to work for the party and bring it back to power." (ANI)
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