Cauvery Issue: Kamal Haasan calls for public consultation on May 19

Kamal said that the forum will be a gathering of farmers associations, political parties, experts in water resources management and enthusiastic citizens to discuss ways to assert their right over Cauvery water and present a united front in the fight for the same. He also met DMK working president MK Stalin at Anna Arivalayam later in the evening to invite him for the event.

Talking to reporters after hosting Kamal, Stalin said the nine-party Opposition would discuss the invitation from Kamal when they meet on May 17. On Kamal’s invitation to the BJP and ruling AIADMK, Stalin said that there was no harm in inviting them. “Good or bad, all parties come together in neighbouring Kerala, Andhra and Karnataka. Parties here should also unite like them for the good of the people,” Stalin added.

The aim of the meeting would be to raise the demand for Cauvery, backed by facts and emotions. Kamal hoped that the outcome of the meeting would be to open a channel for dialogue and ultimately lead to the release of Cauvery water from Karnataka. He also said that an invitation will be extended to all political parties in Tamil Nadu for the meeting.

The idea for the meeting arose from a consultation held between MNM and various farmers’ associations. Kamal said, “At first we were demanding a certain quantum of water but the developments since has made us shift our demand from water levels to the mere establishment of a water management board. Our rights are being eroded at every stage.”

Kamal added that while the issue is being politicised, the need of the hour is for farmers and the general public to unite. He called for political parties to bury their differences and transcend party lines to unite as Tamils. The MNM president also said that there is a plan to meet the Chief Minister of Karnataka after the poll results.