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NT Bureau
Chennai, Dec 27:
 

LEFT SPEAKS FOR WATER RIGHTS: Chief Minister M Karunanidhi with CPI-M honcho Prakash Karat today. Photo: T Shankaran

        In what is being largely seen as an initiative of the national leadership of the CPI (M) to help its government in Kerala on the Mullaiperiyar tussle with Tamilnadu, the Marxist party today deputed its senior leader Prakash Karat to hold parley with the Tamilnadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and help find an amicable solution to the dam issue.

        Prakash Karat, arrived this morning at the residence of the Chief Minister at Gopalapuram, flanked by the central committee member TK Rangarajan. They were closeted with Karunanidhi for about half an hour.

        Addressing newsmen after the meeting, Karat said he discussed some 'important issues' with the Chief Minister. 'I was keen on understanding the views of the State government on the Mullaiperiyar and we are for a peaceful resolution of the dispute,' the Left leader said and added that he would be meeting the leaders of his party in Kerala next month on the issue. He expressed the hope that leaders of Kerala and Tamilnadu would resolve the crisis amicably.

        When asked whether he appealed that Tamilnadu should not go to the Supreme Court on the issue, he replied in negative.

        The Marxist leader also said he discussed with the Chief Minister the Lankan crisis and the tribulations of Tamils there.

        The central government has recently tabled a new pension bill in Parliament. It would not be of use to State or Central government employees, he said in response to a question.

        On the demand for nationalisation of rivers Karat said the question does not arise in this situation (Mullaiperiyar). 'What is needed is scientific sharing of available waters,' the CPI (M) leader said and reiterated his hope that the problem would be solved soon amicably.