Chennai: A temporary ceasefire has been called over the water wars between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over the drinking water project at Hogenakkal. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi has put the project on hold, till a new government takes over in Karnataka.
Coalition compulsions have been at work forcing DMK and Karnataka Congress to agree to see reason. Meanwhile, there won't be further attacks on Karnataka politicians by the Tamil film stars and vice versa. Congress President Sonia Gandhi finally managed to persuade the warring sides.
However Karunanidhi spoke to SM Krishna to sort things out. “We strongly believe that government formed with people support will understand the problem and act according to the 1998 agreement. We on our part will emphasise that they should act according to the agreement,” says Karunanidhi.
The Hogenakkal issue had become a full-scale water war. The Congress was worried that a prolonged dispute would mean bad publicity a month before the polls. There was the growing fear that the BJP would exploit the situation. Krishna prevailed upon the Central leadership to ensure that the Tamil Nadu government scaled down its high pitch.
“Once the new government comes into being, the issue can be taken up with the new government,” says former Karnataka chief minister, SM Krishna.
"It's a betrayal from Karunanidhi and is against the interest of Tamils. He has thrown away the self respect of Tamils,” says Jayalalitha.
However, it doesn't mean the dispute is over. Karnataka has just bought time and Karunanidhi has taken immense political risk by softening his stand. The rival AIADMK and ally PMK may have belligerent views on the subject. Even in Karnataka, the Hogenakkal headache is alive. Whichever party assumes the reins of power will have to address the problem in early June.
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