An all-party meet, called by the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) commenced in Tamil Nadu on Thursday, 22 February, to discuss the state’s course of action on the Cauvery water verdict was held at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat.
The meeting, called by Chief Minister Edappadi Palanisamy, was attended by all prominent opposition parties in the state, including the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK).
Several prominent leaders of the farmers’ associations, including prominent leader P Ayyakannu, were present at the meeting. The state government is consulting legal experts to decide its next course of action.
Opposition leader MK Stalin kept firm on his stand at the meeting and suggested that the state should pressure the Centre to constitute the Cauvery Management Board, further adding that the Chief Minister should take an all party delegation to meet PM Modi. Stalin also suggested that Tamil Nadu should set up a water security board.
TN should decide on exploring options to get back the lost 14 TMC water allocation. The verdict has disappointed farmers. SC has fixed 15 year validity for the Cauvery Verdict . We can’t accept cut in TN’s allocation every time we move court.MK Stalin, President, DMK
Indian Union Muslim League leader Khader Moideen also asked the TN government to urge the Centre to constitute the Cauvery Management Board and send a delegation to the Centre for talks.
Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan, BJPs state head fro Tamil Nadu said, "We need to protect our state’s rights over Cauvery . BJP will support any decision taken by the state, if it is in the interest of the farmers.”
Even Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi suggested pushing for the Cauvery Management Board. Calling the verdict unfair for Tamil Nadu, they, like the others, also suggested forming a team along with farmers to meet Modi and come at a fair solution.
MK Stalin further said, “We want the farmer representatives to be taken to meet the Prime Minister and ask him to constitute the Cauvery management board. The legal issues should be resolved by discussing with legal experts. These were our resolutions that were accepted by the government.”
All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi founder R Sarath Kumar called the meeting successful, as everyone’s suggestions were considered.
If we come together and discuss every issue then our state and country will become prosperous.R Sarath Kumar
According to Ayyakannu, President of National South Indian River Interlinking Agriculturist Association, CM Palaniswami said the wise decision would be a discussion with the Centre before taking any steps.
We asked the CM if he will fast like how Jayalalithaa did, and he has said that it will be wise to first have a discussion with the Centre.Ayyakannu, President of National South Indian River Interlinking Agriculturist Association
He further said that if PM Modi does not give a fair solution and favours Karnataka in the issue, then they will sit in protest outside his residence till he fulfills our pleas.
Naam Tamilar Katchi leader Seeman emphasised on the fact that such an all party meeting is being conducted after 11 years.
The opposition in Tamil Nadu has cried foul over the Supreme Court’s decision instructing Karnataka to reduce the Cauvery water released to Tamil Nadu – to 177.25 TMC, as against 192 TMC earlier.
The court had directed the centre to form the Cauvery Management Board (CMB) within six weeks to manage the release of water, and ensure that the court’s orders are implemented.
Following the verdict, DMK leader MK Stalin said that the state should urge the centre to form a Cauvery Management Board immediately and meet PM Modi over the matter.
On the other hand, Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah said the state would oppose the formation of the Cauvery Management Board, reported The News Minute.
(With inputs from The News Minute)
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