VS Achuthanandan flays CPI(M) Polit Bureau stand on Mullaperiyar dam dispute

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPI(M) stalwart VS Achuthanandan on Friday took exception to his party Polit Bureau's stand on the Mullaperiyar dam dispute holding it did not reflect the sentiments of the people of Kerala.

The 88-year-old veteran, a former chief minister and member of the CPI (M)'s Central Committee, said he expected the Polit Bureau to correct its stand in accordance with the sentiments of the people of Kerala .

"The Polit Bureau's stand did not reflect the people's feelings on the issue. I hope they correct it,", he said. What apparently provoked Achuthanandan was the Polit Bureau's reluctance to make a firm position supporting Kerala's demand for a new dam.

The Polit Bureau, which discussed the issue two days back, wanted the Centre to intervene to bring about a resolution by facilitating talks between the two states. Achuthanandan also demanded removal of Kerala's Advocate General K PDandapani for purportedly stating in the High Court that the water level in the Mullaperiyar dam had nothing to do with its safety.

He said the Advocate General's stand amounted to sabotaging Kerala's case .He also objected to Revenue Minister Thiruvanchur Radhakahrishnan's statement that Idukki dam in the downstream could contain the water flow from Mullaperiyar if something happened to the 116-year-old dam.