Kamal pushes for CMB, slams Centre for using loopholes

During the meeting, Kamal detailed his agenda on subjects, including health education, agriculture, law and order and corruption, with welfare of the people being the ultimate goal.

He started his speech by referring to the inordinate delay in forming the CMB. He said that while the dispute has been around for decades, the confusion and selfishness displayed by the governments involved has grown over the years. Kamal slammed the Centre for using legal loopholes to cause a delay in view of the upcoming elections in Karnataka. 

Kamal said that much like during the Freedom struggle, the people of Tamil Nadu should adopt peaceful non-cooperation in response to the Centre’s inaction in setting up the CMB to express their indignation. “We will not be distracted by other issues that are being instigated as a diversion to the CMB. What the central government is doing is wrong.” 

As for the state government, Kamal said a solution is possible and in the hands of the state but it has chosen to hide behind the Centre. He added, “Do it or step aside. We have people here who can do it.”

On the position of the MNM, he said his party believed in raising the standard of political discourse and will not resort to name calling. He also took a dig at the AIADMK’s fast protesting the Centre’s delay. Kamal said his party does not believe in fasting and that it was an eyewash. 

To the critics of his party, he said he has adopted the idea of centrism that has been gaining popularity. He cited the example of French President Emmanuel Macron. “Why can’t we be an example in Asia?”

Answering questions on MNM’s plans and policies, he said the welfare of the people is its ultimate goal. Kamal outlined issues prevalent in a few sectors and the policy proposals and the position of his party on them. 

On agriculture, he said the main issue of water must be resolved. MNM is determined to get Tamil Nadu’s rightful share of water from Karnataka and other states through legal channels and through dialogue. He added that existing water resources must be used judiciously. 

On education and skill building, Kamal said the burden that is placed on teachers must be recognised and remedied. They face issues of long commute, sudden transfers, bribery and exhaustion. To reform the state of education MNM will remove corruption that exists at high levels.