Karat discusses Mullaperiyar with Karunanidhi

Chennai, Dec 27: Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Prakash Karat today urged Tamil Nadu and Kerala Governments to find an amicable solution to the contentious Mullaperiyar issue.

Mr Karat, whose party is ruling Kerala, called on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi at his Gopalapuram residence and discussed the vexed issue.

State Public Works Minister Duraimurugan was also present in the meeting, which lasted for nearly 30 minutes.

''I hope both the Governments will take appropriate steps to resolve the issue keeping the interest of people of two states in mind,'' Mr Karat told reporters after the meeting.

Stating that the CPI(M) wanted to bring an amicable solution to the issue, Mr Karat said he was also keen to understand Tamil Nadu's views in the matter.

He would meet his party leaders in Kerala next month to discuss the issue, he added.

Asked whether he impressed upon the Tamil Nadu Government not to approach the Supreme Court on the issue, Mr Karat said the matter was not discussed.

He also said the issue of nationalisation of rivers did not come during the discussion. ''Our aim is find out how to share the water in a scientific manner,'' he added.

Mr Karat said he also discussed the Sri Lankan problem with Mr Karunanidhi. The CPI(M) leader said he discussed the situation prevailing in Sri Lanka, particularly the sufferings of Tamils in the northern and eastern part of the island nation. The third issue that figured in the meeting was the Pension Reforms Bill, placed before Parliament recently.

Stating that the CPI(M) had a different view on the Bill, Mr Karat said he discussed the matter with Mr Karunanidhi.

The Pension Bill would not be beneficial to both Central and State Government employees, he reiterated.

Mr Karat was accompanied by party Central Committee Member T K Rangarajan.

UNI

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