Thanjavur (TN):- In a bid to mount pressure on the AIADMK government on the Cauvery issue, M K Stalin today said DMK would convene an all party meeting on the matter if the ruling party failed to do so.
The Leader of Opposition said DMK would lead the all party delegation, apparently barring the AIADMK, to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and, if needed, also meet President Pranab Mukherjee on the Cauvery issue.
DMK has been batting for an all party meeting and a “cohesive action” by political parties involving both ruling and Opposition whenever the Cauvery row cropped up. However, AIADMK government has not favoured such an idea and was perusing legal action.
The DMK treasurer said a meeting of all political parties will only be appropriate if it was called by the ruling party.
“We waited patiently for it. However, they (AIADMK) did not take such a step.”
Addressing a hunger strike demonstration held by his party here against the Centre on Cauvery issue, Stalin said “after seeing today’s fast, if the government decides to call for an all party meeting, we will fully cooperate and there is no doubt.”
However, he said if the government delayed in taking a decision, “I say it for sure, we will convene the meeting ourselves after getting the permission of our party chief (Karunandihi) and (then) lead a delegation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
The DMK leader said if needed, the delegation will also call on President Pranab Mukherjee on Cauvery issue, adding “we are prepared for it.”
Referring to all party meetings and special session of State Assemblies of Karnataka and Kerala on river water disputes like Mullaperiyar and Cauvery, he asked if any such initiative had been taken by the ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu.
He said during the DMK tenure all party meetings had been convened on such key issues.
PTI
