Chennai: Underlining that the Centre did not require a direction from court to resolve interstate disputes on sharing river water, Union commerce and industry minister Nirmala Sitharaman categorically stated that the “attitude of the BJP” towards linking rivers has not changed after coming to power.
“We need no direction from the court. The minister dealing with the subject will handle it properly and solve the Cauvery issue positively,” she exuded. Ms Sitharaman, on her first visit to the city on Saturday after becoming Union minister, was reacting to reporters at Kamalalayam, the state headquarters of BJP, to a query about the Centre’s stand on the Cauvery water issue.
“Water crisis, whether it is for agriculture or drinking purpose, is a serious issue. The Centre will resolve the problem positively,” she added. To a query on the nature of the budget the government is presently working on, she said, “it will be a very inspiring and energetic budget. A budget that will give a message for sentiments to be revived, a budget that will send the right signals and for growth and business to improve.”
“Projects will be need based and are for the entire nation. They will not be confined to particular region or state,” the minister replied when asked if she was considering ensuring more development for Andhra Pradesh. “Yes, granting special status for AP is under consideration. Four of us (ministers) are from Andhra Pradesh and we are discussing it,” she said.
Union MoS for heavy industries and public enterprises Pon Radhakrishnan, state vice-president H. Raja, national secretary Dr Tamilisaisoundararajan and its general secretary Vanathi Srinivasan were present.
