There’s just one day left for the deadline given by the Supreme Court for the formation of the Cauvery Management Board (CMB), and so far, there is no sign to show that the Centre is doing anything in this regard. And as the deadline nears, the ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu has decided to take desperate measures to push their case with the BJP-led Centre.
On Wednesday, there was high drama over the issue in Parliament, and comments made by AIADMK MP Navaneethakrishnan in Rajya Sabha were expunged by the chairperson.
Speaking to TNM just minutes after exiting the Rajya Sabha, Navaneethakrishnan said, "I told the Chairman that AIADMK MPs will all commit suicide if the Cauvery Management Board is not formed. I am from Thanjavur and I know how much the people are suffering in Tamil Nadu. I had to make our desperation known.”
The tension in Tamil Nadu over the lack of action by the Centre has been palpable over the last week. Opposition parties have all voiced their angst and alleged that the AIADMK government was not doing enough to further the cause. The government meanwhile has reportedly decided to file a contempt petition in the Apex Court on March 31 if the Centre fails to honour the Supreme Court verdict by March 30.
"How can the Centre not heed what the Supreme court has said? No steps have been taken and there is no chance that the deadline will be met," MP Navaneethakrishnan said. "They are doing this because of the Karnataka elections. But more people in Tamil Nadu need the Cauvery water than in Karnataka," he added.
When asked what the AIADMK was doing to ensure that the board is formed, he said, "We are all upset and want the Supreme Court order to be implemented. We are fighting for the people of Tamil Nadu. We are not under the BJP."
He went on to say that he spoke up in Parliament not because he wanted to disrupt proceedings, but to ensure that the displeasure of the AIADMK MPs was made clear.
"What is the use of passing bills when people don't have water for their basic needs?" he asked.
But while the MP seemed certain that the Centre will not form the board before the deadline, the Chief Minister, Edappadi K Palaniswami, has publicly maintained that he was confident of the CMB being formed by 29 March.
Speaking to the media in Salem, CM Edappadi K Palanisamy said, "The SC has directed the Centre that within six weeks of the verdict, the order has to be implemented. We expect the central government to adhere to this and constitute the CMB. It is their duty to implement it,".
(This article was published on The News Minute and has been republished with permission.)
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