• Source:JND
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Mekedatu Project Row:  Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Congress leader DK Shivakumar on Thursday defended the state government over INDIA ally DMK's poll promise on the Mekedatu project, saying that he will see that the project gets completed. Earlier, a fresh controversy erupted over the Lok Sabha manifesto released by the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK leader MK Stalin which sought to abolish the construction of the Mekedatu multipurpose project if INDIA is elected to power at centre.

Following the release of the manifesto, the state BJP unit slammed Karnataka's Congress government by asking it whether it will follow 'raja dharma' by opposing this to protect the interests of people of the State or abide by 'maithri dharma' to support its political ally DMK, which is a partner in INDI Alliance.

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“Will Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah now follow Raja Dharma and protect the interests of Kannadigas or will he adhere to Maithri Dharma to save Rahul Gandhi’s I.N.D.I Alliance by compromising Karnataka’s interests?” Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok had asked.

After the sharp attack launched by the opposition BJP, the troubleshooter of Congress in the state, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar came forward on Thursday and said: “Whether it is part of INDIA Alliance or not, it is the stand of the DMK party. It is their desire and political wish; I won't comment on that. But I have taken the decision to see that the Mekedatu project gets completed. Karnataka stands committed to the court’s order and the sentiments of the people. We want to provide water to the people from all over India who are staying in Karnataka.”

The fresh statement by DK Shivakumar opposing his INDIA alliance partner sparked speculation of a rift in the bloc in Southern India ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024.