Manickam Tagore criticised DK Shivakumar's push for Centre's approval of the Mekedatu project. The dispute highlights Tamil Nadu's concerns over Cauvery water rights and farmers' livelihoods. Tamil Nadu Congress President, Manickam Tagore has strongly criticised Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar over his remarks on the Cauvery water. A fresh disagreement has surfaced within the Congress over Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu dam project, with Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president Manickam Tagore criticising Karnataka.