Bengaluru, June 20 -- Karnataka Minister Sharan Prakash Patil defended Mekedatu project, terming it a vital necessity for the drinking water requirements of Bengaluru.

Addressing the media, Patil emphasised the project's utility-driven purpose. "It is very clear now that the Mekedatu project is beneficial for both states. It is especially critical to mitigate the water supply crisis in Bengaluru," he said.

Dismissing objections from Tamil Nadu, the minister added, "Our Chief Minister has made it very clear that this water will not be used for irrigation; it is strictly for drinking water supply."

The Minister's remarks come in the wake of a significant escalation on Friday, June 19, when the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly unanimously ...