Chennai: BJP senior and Union minister of state for finance and shipping Pon Radhakrishnan lashed out at the DMK for suggesting that Tamil Nadu MPs resign on the Cauvery issue and said the “resignation drama” will not solve the Cauvery problem. He also reacted caustically to a demand by a section of farmers that he should step down, saying unlike others he doesn't issue threats.
Contending that resignation of MPs cannot be a solution for the vexatious Cauvery issue, Mr Radhakrishnan said the BJP will not compromise on TN's rights on securing the Cauvery river water. “If my resignation can help to resolve the crisis, then I am willing to tender my resignation. If I make a decision, I stick on to it. If I decide to step down I will do it without fanfare. And I don’t issue threats,” the Union minister said on Thursday.
He claimed that Congress and the DMK were merely politicising the issue and this, in fact, was the reason why he had asked both the parties to talk with the Congress government in Karnataka. “What I said was not an eye wash,” Mr. Pon Radhakrishnan added. “Yesterday we met the Union water resources minister Nitin Gadkari and he understood our concerns and demands. He said he would ensure justice,” Mr Radhakrishnan explained to reporters here.
What one should understand on the issue is that the Supreme Court had mentioned a scheme while delivering the judgment. “What is this scheme? If this is not explained, then there will only be speculations. As far as the BJP is concerned we want the constitution of the Cauvery Management Board. TN’s rights should be upheld,” he stressed.
On AIADMK MP, A. Navaneethakrishnan's remarks in Parliament on Wednesday that his party MPs were ready to commit suicide if the Centre failed to set up the CMB and the CWRC, he asked whether the MP's family accept it. “Will his party agree to his speech? Will farmers and his family members accept?” Mr. Radhakrishnan, wondered.
To another query, he said the Assembly elections in the neighbouring Karnataka had nothing to do with the constitution of the CMB.
