Karunanidhi seeks Sonia's assistance in Mullaperiyar issue

Chennai, Nov 29 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today sought assistance of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi in resolving the vexed Mullaperiyar issue with Kerala.

Mr Karunanidhi, who arrived here from New Delhi after attending the talks on the Mullaperiyar issue with his Kerala counterpart V S Achuthanandan, told newspersons that he had discussed the issue with Ms Sonia, when he called on her at her residence.

''We expect her to help resolve the issue,'' he said.

Expressing satisfaction over the first round of talks, he hoped that the ministerial level of talks, which would be held between Tamil Nadu PWD Minister Duraimurugan and his Kerala counterpart in New Delhi soon, would find an amicable solution to the vexed issue.

He said though Kerala Government had failed to go by the Supreme Court verdict, he would not go into the issue repeatedly, but would make sure that Tamil Nadu gets its due share of water, to meet the irrigation and drinking water need of six districts. When asked about the proposed Periyar Dam Forum's economic blockade against Kerala, he said he would not interfere in anybody's right to protest.

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