Thanjavur : The Tamil Nadu unit of the BJP today
observed a day long fast in protest against Karnataka’s move
to construct a new balancing reservoir at Mekedatu across River
Cauvery.
The fast, led by BJP State President K Annamalai, was to urge
the Karnataka government not to go ahead with the dam construction
as it would affect the farmers of Tamil Nadu.
Soon after taking oath as the Karnataka Chief Minister Mr Basavaraj
Bommai had said: “Our stand on Mekedatu is very clear. Legally we
are on the right side. It is our right to utilise surplus water in the Cauvery
basin.”
Mr Annamalai said the fast was being held on behalf of the farmers’
wing of the party.
“Despite the Union Water Resources Minister clearly stating that the
dam would not be allowed to be constructed at Mekedatu, as it would
be a great threat to lower riparian states like Tamil Nadu, Mr Basvaraj
Bommai has issued such a statement which is condemnable,” Annamalai said.
Senior BJP leaders including former Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan,
C P Radhakrishnan and H Raja took part in the fast.
UNI
