Queried by reporters here about Karnataka's stand that it would not release Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu, Karunanidhi said: "Karnataka has explained its position. They say they do not have water. Finding out whether it is true or not is the duty of the central government."
Asked about the recent rail fare hike, Karunanidhi countered: "If the state government increases bus fares, could not the central government hike the rail fares?"
Karunanidhi said that the DMK would not support any price hike that affected the poor.
The former chief minister also said that he had not condemned the rail fare hike, and pointed out that in Tamil Nadu, bus fares were higher than the rail fares.
He also said he agreed with Tamil Nadu State Congress chief B.S. Gnanadesikan that without hiking fares, rail infrastructure could not be set up.