The Communist Party of India wants to know who will put forth the views of Tamil Nadu before the Mullaperiyar committee, constituted by the Supreme Court, since the DMK has asked the government to stay away from the panel.

“This is a decision taken in haste and anger. Do we have to put forth our views or not?” asked CPI State secretary D. Pandian, while addressing presspersons here. The findings of the committee were recommendatory in nature and the State should have taken an informed decision.

On February 20, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general council had disapproved of the Supreme Court decision to constitute a five-member Empowered Committee to consider issues relating to the Mullaperiyar dam dispute. It had declared that there was no need for Tamil Nadu to have a nominee on the panel.

On February 18, the Supreme Court had appointed former Chief Justice of India A.S. Anand as chairman of the Empowered Committee to go into all aspects (except legal and constitutional) of the dispute involving Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

On the debate surrounding the rise in prices of fertilizers, Mr. Pandian said there should be no increase in price.

When it was pointed out that Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, M.K. Alagiri, had opposed the hike, he said if there was a hike the Minister should explain why it happened despite his opposition. “What he should do then and what stand his party should take then, his party has to decide,” he added.

Pennagaram by-poll

On the by-election to Pennagaram Assembly constituency, Mr. Pandian said the Opposition parties led by the AIADMK were in favour of a joint candidate. “But, the PMK on its own declared that it was severing its relationship with the AIADMK and is now functioning independently.” Hence, a common Opposition candidate was not possible at this stage.

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