Kochi: Union Minister KV Thomas on Saturday
described as "unfortunate" the statement by Home Minister P
Chidambaram that Kerala government`s fears over Mullaperiyar
dam was "unnecessary" and that it was being raked up due to
the upcoming bypoll.
Thomas said he would draw the attention of Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh to Chidambaram`s statement.
"What Kerala wants is safety of the state and water for
Tamil Nadu. The attempt is to settle this issue either through
discussions between the chief ministers of the two states or
by judicial verdict," the MoS for Food and Consumer Affairs
said.
"The statement of Chidambaram cannot be accepted and if a
person of his stature has made the statement, it is not
acceptable and it will be brought to the Prime minister`s
notice," he said.
"The issue is before the Supreme Court and as well as
before the Prime Minister. The attempt is to settle the issue
amicably through discussions between both the chief
ministers," Thomas said.
"Kerala has promised the same quantity of water to Tamil
Nadu even when a new dam is built. On this, there is no
compromise. At the same time, we consider Tamilians as our
brothers and there is lot of relationship between the two
states," he said.
He said a new dam would guarantee the safety for Kerala.
"So, if Chidambaram`s statement is to jeopardise this
situation, it was quite unfortunate," he said.
"This is a major issue on which the central ministers of
Kerala are taking a healthy stand for settlement of the issue
through discussion. This statement has created a feeling of
unhappiness and anger in the minds of the people of Kerala,"
he said.
PTI
