At a time when the Cauvery issue has raised its head yet again, actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan met Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Monday, 4 June. Following their meeting, the two leaders met the press in a joint interaction.
Stressing that the farmers of the two states are important, Kumaraswamy said:
Regarding the Water Management Board, what Kamal discussed with me, both states maintain cordial relationship as brothers and sisters whatever problems we have to equally share. Both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu farmers are important.
Calling the Chief Minister’s response very heartening, the Makkal Needhi Maiam chief said that he came on behalf of the people of Tamil Nadu.
Stating that Tamil Nadu would like the Cauvery Management Authority to be expedited, Kamal said:
We will like it to be expedited. This attitude is what we are expecting. I am very happy that here is a CM who’s looking at it in the same manner.
He also went on to say that although the matter is in court, the water sharing dispute needs to be decided between the people. “I am a son of lawyer and I have a lot of lawyers. And their advice is settle it between people. Court should be the last resort. If people of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka come together, I see hope in the conversation I had with him. The way forward is for people to have the mindset to go forward,” he said.
Pointing out that his visit comes at a time when Karnataka has received rain, Kamal went on to say, “The kuruvai crop is coming up. You have seen some rain, you can afford to be kind.”
Kamal’s meeting with Kumaraswamy also comes at a time when Rajinikanth’s Kaala is facing ban in Karnataka over the superstar’s comments on the Cauvery dispute. Kamal, however, clarified that his discussion with the CM did not revolve around films.
This discussion was nothing about films. There is chamber to look into it. This (Cauvery issue) is more important.Kamal Haasan, Makkal Needhi Maiam chief
On being asked if he was going to be the bridge between the two states, Kamal said, “I come on behalf of the people. I can be anything. I am a child. Mine is a new party. I can be anything for the people.”
Earlier in the day, while speaking to reporters in Chennai, Kamal said there should be no politics over the Cauvery verdict. He, however, added, “There should be no trace of violence in protests, but (the state) shouldn't stop protests.”
Kamal also noted that he differed from fellow actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth’s views on protests in light of the Thoothukudi violence. While Rajini had warned that Tamil Nadu would become a graveyard if people start protesting for every issue, Kamal stated, “I differ from Rajini on protests. I am a disciple of Gandhi, I learnt protests from him who I've not seen.”
(The story was published in an arrangement with The News Minute.)
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