The Hindu : Front Page : MPs fail to reach consensus on Parliament debate on Cauvery issue

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Wednesday, Mar 07, 2007
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MPs fail to reach consensus on Parliament debate on Cauvery issue

Neena Vyas

Speaker hears points of view from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu

NEW DELHI: There was no agreement between MPs from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, who met Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee here on Tuesday evening, on a discussion in Parliament on the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal on the sharing of the river water.

The Speaker convened the meeting to hear the points of view of both the States after Karnataka MPs from all parties met him under the leadership of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda on February 23 to press their case for a discussion. At a second meeting with Karnataka MPs, the Speaker told them he would like to hear the "other view" as well.

After hearing the views expressed by MPs from Karnataka in favour of a debate in the Lok Sabha, and those from Tamil Nadu against raising passions and disturbing the peace through a debate, Mr. Chatterjee reportedly told them he would look into the matter soon.

The Speaker received several notices from Karnataka MPs for a short duration discussion on the issue under Rule 193. On Tuesday, they spoke of "grave injustice" done to the State in the matter of sharing Cauvery water, a view opposed by MPs from Tamil Nadu, who by and large accepted the tribunal's verdict as fair.

While Karnataka's views were put forward by H.N. Ananth Kumar of the Bharatiya Janata Party and R.L. Jalappa of the Congress, Tamil Nadu's case was presented by Surface Transport Minister T.R. Baalu of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.

The Speaker apparently tried to find a meeting ground, but no consensus emerged. Some MPs from Kerala reportedly joined the meeting but were told that since they were not invited they would not be allowed to speak.

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