Karat talking to CPI(M) comrades in Kerala on Dam issue

Chennai, Feb 7 (UNI) Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Prakash Karat is holding talks with party colleagues in Kerala to find an amicable solution to the Mullaperiyar issue, CPI(M) Politburo member Sitaram Yechury said today.

Mr Yechury, heading the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture, called on Chief Minister M Karunanidhi at his Gopalapuram residence here and held discussions for about 30 minutes.

Describing the meeting as a 'courtesy call,' he told reporters later that the Committee was on a tour of Tamil Nadu to review some infrastructure projects, including Chennai and Ennore ports and Chennai airport.

Stating that he had not discussed with Mr Karunanidhi the Cauvery and Mullaperiyar issues, Mr Yechury said eveyone wanted the Tribunal's final award and it had come now.

'There is no scope for further discussions on the matter at the moment,' he added.

Asked about Mr Karat's assertion that he would consult his party colleagues in Kerala to find an amicable solution to the Mullaperiyar issue, Mr Yechury said the CPI(M) leader was on the job and he had been to Kerala to discuss the matter.

'Since he (Mr Karat) is handling it, we don't duplicate our efforts,' he added.

Mr Yechury said he discussed with Mr Karunanidhi some issues concerning the UPA Government at the Centre. However, he did not elaborate.

UNI