Vijay's Cauvery talks with Karnataka break tradition

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's decision to hold direct talks with Karnataka counterpart D.K. Shivakumar on the Cauvery water dispute marks a departure from the state's long-standing preference for adjudication. Tamil Nadu has received only about 3.5 tmc ft of water against the due 32 tmc ft since June. Critics argue that bilateral talks bypass the Cauvery Water Management Authority and risk allowing Karnataka to raise the contentious Mekedatu dam project.