Tamil Nadu opposition seeks PM Modi's intervention in Mekedatu reservoir issue

NEW DELHI: Opposition parties in Tamil Nadu today sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention against Karnataka's plan for construction of reservoir over Cauvery river at Mekedatu.

The meeting comes two days after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam called on Modi regarding the same issue.

Leader of Opposition in the TN Assembly and DMDK chief Vijayakanth led a delegation of leaders from various, including BJP, Congress, and DMK, in presenting a memorandum to Modi seeking his intervention into the issue.

"As Karnataka is flouting orders of Supreme Court and Cauvery River Water Tribunal, the Centre must take urgent steps to constitute Cauvery Monitoring Committee and Cauvery Management Board," the memorandum said.

Yesterday, Vijayakanth had met various party heads in rallying the opposition to raise issues concerning the state with the Prime Minister.

He had also criticised ruling AIADMK and Panneerselvam for not heeding his appeal to take an all-party delegation to Modi over various issues, including Mekedatu.

Today, the leaders also drew Modi's attention to various inter-state issues like Mullaperiyar and killing of 20 Tamils in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh forests recently.

On the Mullaperiyar issue, the delegation accused the Kerala Government of not following the Supreme Court verdict and urged the Centre to intervene in the issue to find an amicable solution to the matter.

Claiming that Tamil Nadu fishermen were facing serious threats allegedly due to atrocities of Lankan navy, the delegation said that Prime Minister should take up the issue with Lankan authorities to arrive at a settlement as soon as possible.

The opposition parties also recalled instances in the past where Tamil Nadu fishermen wanted to surrender their Indian citizenship and take up Sri Lankan citizenship for their survival.

Briefing reporters after meeting the Prime Minister, Vijayakanth said Modi has assured to look into the issues.