A unique political situation unfolded on Thursday as Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who also holds additional charge as Governor of Tamil Nadu, read out the Tamil Nadu government’s policy address reiterating its firm stand on the long-standing Mullaperiyar dam dispute. The development once again highlighted the deep differences between the two states over the safety and management of the dam.

The policy address, presented in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, reaffirmed the state’s opposition to Kerala’s demand for the construction of a new dam. It stated that Tamil Nadu would continue to defend the existing Mullaperiyar structure and resist any attempt to replace it, asserting both legal and political measures to safeguard its position.

The position stands in sharp contrast to Kerala’s long-held argument that the over-a-century-old Mullaperiyar dam poses serious safety concerns. Kerala has repeatedly called for the construction of a new dam, citing risks to downstream populations and stressing the need for a modern, structurally sound alternative.

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The unusual aspect of the day’s proceedings was the Governor’s dual responsibility, as he is currently officiating as constitutional head for both Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This has placed him in the position of reading out policy directions from two governments that hold opposing views on the same inter-State water dispute.

Constitutionally, Governors are expected to act as neutral representatives of the elected governments and formally present their policy decisions. However, the situation has sparked discussion in political and administrative circles about the optics of one Governor being associated with conflicting state positions on a sensitive issue.

The Mullaperiyar dam dispute remains one of the most contentious inter-State water issues in southern India. While Tamil Nadu relies heavily on the dam for water supply to several districts, Kerala continues to raise safety concerns about its ageing structure. The latest reaffirmation of Tamil Nadu’s position indicates that despite political changes, the state’s stance on the issue remains unchanged and firmly opposed to any proposal for a new dam.

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