Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Friday firmly rejected the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee's (TNCC) opposition to the proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir across the Cauvery River, labeling it as a "personal opinion" that holds no weight against legal mandates. Kharge's remarks were a direct response to TNCC president B Manickam Tagore's staunch objections, and he reiterated that the state government will move forward strictly in accordance with Supreme Court directions. "Whether it is me, you, or anyone else, we must proceed in accordance with the directions of the Supreme Court. They themselves have said that excess water is flowing into the sea. They have also said that Kannadigas can make productive use of that water," Kharge stated, emphasizing that personal opinions are irrelevant.