BJP seeks Centre's help on Hogenakal

With Tamil Nadu reiterating it would go ahead with the controversial Hogenakal water falls project, the state BJP unit has sought the intervention of the Centre to resolve the issue.

"The Hogenakal Falls (on the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border) is within Karnataka. Tamil Nadu is not entitled to draw water for the project from Hogenakal. The Centre should intervene in the matter before the situation turns ugly," state BJP president D V Sadananda Gowda said on Monday.

Pro-Kannada groups have threatened to block the screening of Tamil films and television channels in Karnataka apart from stopping the movement of inter-state buses if Tamil Nadu government does not stop work on the project.

Earlier this month, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi launched the project (Rs 1,300 crore) to supply drinking water to the Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts in the dry belt. The project has not been sanctioned by the Centre. Besides, both states have been instructed to refrain from implementing any project in the Cauvery basin as the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal is pending before the Supreme Court.

However, Karunanidhi has said 'no one' can stop the state from implementing the project. "Karunanidhi's tone and tenor does not augur well for the federal structure of the country. The Centre should immediately direct Tamil Nadu to stop work on the project," Gowda contended.

The Janata Dal (Secular) also has taken up the issue. Former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy said the project could strain the relationship between the two states. "Tamil Nadu did not take Karnataka into confidence before implementing the project. It smacks of arrogance. Any inter-state dispute should be resolved amicably," he added.

Meanwhile, several pro-Kannada organisations staged demonstrations in various parts of the city condemning Karunanidhi's statement on the project. "He is describing pro-Kannada activists as anti-social elements. He should withdraw the statement," they said.

The activists staged a demonstration before theatres screening Tamil movies. They have threatened to intensify their agitation, including blocking the screening of Tamil movies if Tamil Nadu does not stop work on the project by April 9.