Cauvery issue: HDK to hold discussion with Karuna

Bangalore, Mar 20: Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumarswamy today said that he will soon hold dialogue with his counterpart Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi to find a solution to the vexed Cauvery water sharing issue. Talking to newsmen here, he said that he had received a positive response from Mr Karunanidhi for his proposal to find a solution to the issue through dialogue.

"I talked to Mr Karunanidhi yesterday to convey Ugadi greetings and mentioned about holding discussion on the issue in the aftermath of Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal award. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has positively responded and we may meet soon." Mr Kumaraswamy said that he may be meet Mr Karunanidhi within 10 days.

Stating that, in the federal system, only through dialogue such issues can be solved, Mr Kumaraswamy said that it is yet to be decided whether to go for talks alone or at larger level. In this regard senior leaders and experts would be consulted.

"The struggle within the legal frame work would continue", he said, adding that he would also appeal to AIADMK Supremo and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa to give up her contesting stand on the Cauvery issue.

He said he was against politicising the water issue and whipping of sentiments of the people of the both the states.

He said that MPs of the state had already met the Prime Minister and convinced him about the injustice done to the state and waiting for the response from the Centre.

The resolution passed on the issue by the House would be sent to the Centre through the Governor, he added.

Regarding the state Budget for 2007-08, he said it was not a BJP-JD (S) budget but of the coalition government and there is no difference of opinion on bringing ban on arrack sale and lottery.

UNI

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