Karnataka Chief Minister H DKumaraswamy Tuesday asked MPs from the stateto stand together against any opposition byneighbouring Tamil Nadu to Mekedatu project across the Cauvery river during the winter session of Parliament.
Tamil Nadu has demanded that the Centre withdraw its permission to Karnataka for preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a proposed balancing reservoir-cum-drinking water project at Mekedatu across the Cauvery.
The previous Siddaramaiah government had decided to implement the Rs 5,912 crore Mekedatu Multipurpose (drinking and power) project, which involves building a balancing reservoir with a capacity of about 66 tmcft, near Kanakapura in Ramanagaram district.
"Recently we have been asked to prepare a DPR with regard to the Mekedatu project, so during the session in parliament if Tamil Nadu raises the issue, our MPs forgetting their political differences should stand together with one voice in the interest of the state," Kumaraswamy said.
Speaking to reporters after a chairing a meeting of MPs from Karnataka ahead of the winter session, he said all information with respect to the project have been shared with the MPs during the meeting.
Kumaraswamy said he had twice petitioned the Prime Minister requesting that the central government bear the 50 per cent burden of the farm loan waiver and allegedthat there was "no clarity" from their end on the issue.
"Twice when I had gone I had asked and even petitionedstating that the central government should bear 50 per centburden of the farm loan waiver, we have asked MPs to request the same (to central government), but it is not that the stategovernment is waiting dependent on it."
"Let there be no anxiety or confusion on loan waiver, the state government will keep up its commitment made to farmers, whether there is help from the Centre or not, but we are appealing to them (centre for assistance)."
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