Mullaperiyar: MK takes exception to Kerala CM's remarks

Chennai, Sep 26 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today took strong exception to his Kerala counterpart V S Achuthanandan's remarks on the Mullaperiyar Dam even as he remained non-committal on a negotiated settlement of the issue.

His reply during a press conference here came when it was pointed out the Kerala Government had threatened to abrogate the lease deed with Tamil Nadu.

''There is a marked difference between Tamil Nadu and Kerala in the approach to the issue,'' he said.

The Chief Minister said Mr Achuthanandan had made some harsh remarks on the issue which were regrettable and did not augur well for strengthening the inter-state relations.

''This will not help strengthen the inter-state relations,'' he said.

Yesterday, the Supreme Court had suggsted the two governments explore the possibility of arriving at an amicable solution to the dispute while hearing a suit by Tamil Nadu for a direction to Kerala granting permission for raising the water level in accordance with its judgement.

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