Chennai: In a show of rare cordiality between the ruling party and the principal opposition in the state, the Leader of Opposition M.K. Stalin on Friday met Finance Minister O.Panneerselvam and submitted a petition demanding an all-party meeting on the Cauvery issue.
Stalin, accompanied by senior DMK leaders K. Duraimurugan, K. Ponmudi and others, met the Finance Minister who was with PWD Minister Edappadi K. Palanisami at the Secretariat.
The Opposition Leader explained the contents of the petition to the two ministers who promised to consider the demand. Coming out of the meeting, Stalin said he had given the petition in person to the ministers since he had trust in them.
When asked about the government stand that the issue could be solved only through the court, the DMK treasurer said the issue could be faced legally. But, an all-party meeting should be convened to jointly express the sentiments on the Cauvery dispute. In Karnataka, all the parties are united in conveying their opinion, he pointed out.
Reacting to a question that the meeting had taken place after Panneerselvam had taken over the portfolios of the Chief Minister and whether the present government is functioning smoothly, Stalin said those issues were not discussed. The decision was based on what was decided at the meeting of farmers associations. He also said a copy of the resolution had been sent to the Chief Secretary.
The petition contained three resolutions passed at the meeting of farmers' associations. The major demand was the convening of an all-party meeting and a special session of the Assembly. The petition also requested the state government to take a delegation of representatives from political parties and farmers' unions to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to insist on the formation of the Cauvery Management Board.
The DMK also announced its participation in the 48-hour train blockade of farmers to be held on October 17 and 18. More outfits, including Naam Thamizhar led by P. Seeman and Thamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi of T. Velmurugan also announced their participation in the two-day agitation.
