Hyderabad, Nov. 14 -- In a sharp counter to Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's assertive stance on the Mekedatu project, Congress MP S Jothimani on Saturday said the people of Tamil Nadu will never surrender their rights over the Cauvery river, terming it the state's "life and livelihood."

CM Shivakumar had earlier asserted that "no one can stop the construction of a dam at Mekedatu," reigniting the long-standing inter-state dispute between the two riparian neighbours.

Reacting strongly to the statement, Jothimani urged the Karnataka leadership to understand the ground reality and sensitivities involved.

"We will not give up our right. The Karnataka leadership should understand that we, the people of Tamil Nadu, will not give up ...