Hold talks with CM Jayalalaithaa on Cauvery: Puducherry Opposition

Puducherry: Opposition leader in the Puducherry Assembly V. Vaithilingam on Tuesday appealed to Chief Minister N. Rangasamy to take a delegation from the Union Territory to meet his TN counterpart Jayalalithaa and hold talks to ensure availability of six tmc ft water in Cauvery system for Karaikal, lying at the tailend of the river basin.

Participating in the debate on the motion of thanks to the Lt Governor for his address in the Assembly, he said, “it is the right of Karaikal for six tmc water in the river system and hence the CM should lose no time to hold parleys with his TN counterpart and get the water.”

“I would also join the delegation if the Chief Minister invites me,” he said and also suggested to Rangasamy to include the AIADMK legislators. He also made out a strong case for imposition of prohibition in Puducherry and said dry law would be of help for protecting the health of the people. Intervening, ruling AINRC legislator V. Bhalan wanted him to clarify whether his plea for dry law was his personal view or that of the Congress party (to which Vaithilingam belongs) as a whole.

Vaithilingam expressed dismay over delay in nabbing those wanted in connection with the murder of a pawn broker six months ago in a busy locality near the bus terminal. He also flayed the government for ignoring the plight of the unemployed youth.