Thiruvananthapuram: The decision of Kerala`s
Congress-led UDF Government to agree for joint control of the
proposed new dam at Mullaperiyar seems to have jeopardised
political consensus on the issue in the state with the
opposition LDF coming out strongly against the proposal.
CPI(M) veteran and opposition leader in the Kerala assembly
VS Achuthanandan today said the idea of tripartite control of
the new dam would seriously harm the state`s interests.
He also took exception to the Oommen Chandy Government for
making such a radical shift in stand without taking the entire
political spectrum into confidence.
"This is a unilateral decision. It will harm the state`s
interests seriously. The opposition will discuss this and
take a strong position against the government`s decision",
Achuthanandan told reporters in Thrissur.
Kerala cabinet had on Wednesday decided to convey its
position that the state was ready for joint control of the new
dam with Tamil Nadu and the Centre before the Supreme Court
empowered committee scheduled for today.
The new position is seen as a shift from its earlier stand
that the ownwership, control and maintenance of the new dam
should be vested with the state.
PTI
