Chennai
In admitting that there was no need for a new dam, the Kerala CM may not only have scripted a new chapter in the ties of two states but also jeopardised the political strategy of some like MDMK leader Vaiko and Naam Tamizhar Katchi’s Seeman among a few Tamil nationalists who have been feeding on the people’s sentiments across the border.
Though Vijayan has not commented on raising the water level to 152 feet (full reservoir level), Tamil Nadu might do well to not make inflammatory statements that would not only put the former in the dock, but also muddle the issue further and whip up another controversy at an inopportune moment.
Even DMK believes it is no time to confront but extend olive branches. Former PWD minister and DMK headquarters secretary Duraimurugan says, “It is an unexpected, but welcome statement, a positive signal from Kerala. Issues like Kerala preventing TN officials from entering the dam could be solved now. Then, the court cases will not matter. Now we should take efforts to raise the water level to 152 feet,” Duraimurugan added.
“Some leaders were playing parochial politics and using psychological pressure in a realistic issue. It also applies to the Cauvery issue. What is the relationship between Kannada linguistic and Tamil nationalism in the Cauvery context? Some people whip up sentiments and force people to think outside the realm of logic. Vijayan’s statement has brought the issue out of political realm and reduced it to an intergovernment issue,” said political scientist Ramu Manivannan.
CPM Rajya Sabha MP TK Ranagarajan says: “We (CPM in both Kerala and TN) believe that there should not be any confrontation between states. When there is one, the central government should use its good offices to find an amicable solution. That is why we have an inter-state council. Unfortunately, from the days of Indira Gandhi to Modi, the Centre is playing politics.”
Visit news.dtnext.in to explore our interactive epaper!
Download the DT Next app for more exciting features!
Click here for iOS
Click here for Android