'DMK Govt follows double standard over Cauvery'

Chennai, Mar 29: AIADMK General Secretary J Jayalalithaa today accused the DMK Government of practising double standards over the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT).

In a statement issued here, she said ''though nearly two months have elapsed after the final award has been passed by the tribunal, the state government is only sleeping over the issue. It is not even moving at a snail's pace.'' ''The DMK Government, as usual, is confusing the people by saying the award can be notified only after the expiration of the time limit of 90 days available for filing an application seeking clarifications before the Tribunal.

''If, at least, the award is notified, we can legitimately claim the limited rights awarded by the Tribunal. If not, it will be impossible to make Karnataka release the Cauvery water either as per the final award or the interim award.'' Ms Jayalalitha further accused the government of being 'directionless' in its approach to the Mullaiperiyar issue with the government of Kerala and on the construction of a dam across the Palar by Andhra Pradesh.

''This government has failed to take follow-up measures vigorously so that the rights fo the farmers of the state are protected.''

UNI