Coimbatore: The construction of a dam at Mekedatu in Karnataka is 'not acceptable', and a situation that may lead to the building of the reservoir across Cauvery rive would not arise, Union minister of state Pon Radhakrishnan said on Saturday.

Talking to reporters at the airport here, he said, "No one will accept the construction of the reservoir at Mekedatu. Such a situation will not arise."

Recently, the Central Water Commission had allowed Karnataka to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the construction of a balancing reservoir and drinking water project at Mekedatu across the Cauvery, which has been opposed by both the ruling AIADMK and DMK in Tamil Nadu.

On the impact of cyclone Gaja in Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan said he had already discussed the relief measures with the Centre, and a "good news is expected soon".

To a query on the reported remarks on Hindu Gods by Naam Tamilar Katchi leader Seeman, he said he does not have any locus stand to comment on spirituality.

"Let him talk politics, society... if he has no belief in spirituality, let him keep quiet," Radhakrishnan said.

Criticising the mode of agitation adopted by some farmers from Tamil Nadu in New Delhi, the Union minister of state for finance said they had degraded the status of other farmers.

Some farmers from Tamil Nadu had reportedly bared themselves during the protest on Friday pressing for their demands, including debt relief.

On the reported observation made by Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on the increasing 'unemployment' in the country, he said, "Only Congressmen are jobless.”

 

With PTI Inputs