TN CM asks Sonia not to meet Karnataka team on Cauvery award

Chennai, Feb 23 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today urged Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi to ''avoid''a discussion on the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal's final award.

In a letter to Ms Gandhi, a copy of which was given to the media here, Mr Karunanidhi said he had reliably learnt that a Karnataka delegation led by former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda had sought a chance to discuss the final award with her and it had been granted.

The Chief Minister said he had also received information that DMK Parliamentary Party leader T R Baalu had asked for an equal opportunity to express views on behalf of Tamil Nadu on the issue.

''I am apprehensive that any discussion on this subject may lead to adding fuel to the prevailing unwanted situation. Therefore, my plea is that instead of amicably solving the problems of farmers of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, such debate should not lead to creating enmity between the two states,'' Mr Karunanidhi said.

UNI