Kerala Congress urges Centre to take steps for a new Mullaperiyar dam

A resolution adopted at a Kerala Congress leadership meet said the Centre should propose a framework that guarantees the safety of Kerala’s people through the construction of a new dam at Mullaperiyar while ensuring that Tamil Nadu receives the quantity of water it requires. (File photo) | Photo Credit: JOTHI RAMALINGAM B. A State-level leadership meet of the Kerala Congress has urged the Union government to persuade the Supreme Court to facilitate a consensus between Kerala and Tamil Nadu for the construction of a new dam at Mullaperiyar, describing it as the only lasting solution to the decades-old interstate dispute.A resolution adopted at the two-day State leadership camp held at Charalkunnu in Pathanamthitta in Kerala on Friday (July 24, 2026) and Saturday (July 25, 2026) said the Centre should propose a framework that guarantees the safety of Kerala’s people through the construction of a new dam while ensuring that Tamil Nadu receives the quantity of water it requires. Such a proposal, it said, would be acceptable to both States.The camp, attended by Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph, also witnessed sharp criticism of the Congress from a section of the Kerala Congress leaders over what they described as the neglect of the United Democratic Front (UDF) allies.According to party sources, several leaders complained that once elections got over, the Congress tends to behave as though it alone matters. The leaders also stressed that the Congress should recognise that the mandate was for the UDF as a whole and not for the Congress alone.Party leaders have also expressed dissatisfaction over being denied a second ministerial berth despite the party winning seven of the eight Assembly constituencies it contested. ”There is discontent within the party over being denied a second ministerial berth despite winning seven of the eight Assembly constituencies it contested,” a senior party leader said.Some leaders also demanded that the party firmly stake its claim to key positions in statutory boards and other government bodies whenever appointments are made.Kerala Congress chairman P.J. Joseph inaugurated the two-day leadership camp, while Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph addressed the valedictory session on Saturday. Published - July 26, 2026 06:28 pm IST