DMK asks Centre to set up Cauvery Management Board

Chennai, Sep 18: Condemning the recent violence in Karnataka over Cauvery river water issue, Tamil Nadu's main opposition party DMK today sought compensation for those affected by it and urged the Centre to set up Cauvery Management Board.

Asserting that the recent problems over Cauvery river water would not have risen if the Centre had set up Cauvery Management Board (CMB) as per the final award of the tribunal, DMK, in a resolution adopted at its district secretaries' meet, demanded the Centre "to set up CMB immediately."

It also blamed Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa for pursuing an "autocratic, unilateral," approach over the issue whereas Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah convened an all-party meeting.

Hitting out at the AIADMK government for "not ensuring" timely inflow of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu for Samba crop cultivation by holding talks with Karnataka, DMK, in another resolution said "due to it, the farmers were pushed to launch agitations to seek water."

Protests began in Karnataka too which eventually resulted in strife and loss of properties, it said.

"This district secretaries meet strongly condemns the violent incidents in Karnataka and urges the state and Central governments to provide compensation to those who suffered losses," the resolution said.

The meet, presided by party chief Karunanidhi and attended by 65 district secretaries, debated on the local body elections as well which is expected to be held next month. Later, party general secretary K Anbazhagan named 29 party poll overseers to monitor civic poll related work in various districts.

On DMK announcing its stand over forging alliance for the civic polls, a senior party leader said the decision would be announced by the party chief later.

"The decision (on alliances) would be announced later by party chief Kalaignar (Karunanidhi) and general secretary Prof K Anbazhagan," a senior leader said. DMK had aligned with Congress besides other smaller parties for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections in May.

PTI