Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader Vaiko has slammed the Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram for withdrawing his remarks related to Keralites fear on safety of Mullaperiyar Dam.
Speaking to The Hindu over phone, he said, if Mr. Chidambaram withdraws his remarks that the Keralites' fear regarding the stability of the dam was unwarranted and that it was by-poll driven, it only shows that he is not brave and bold enough. “I am sorry to say that he has not stood up to his statement.” Mr. Vaiko said.
Mr. Chidambaram, according to a news report based on a statement he issued in New Delhi, said that his reference to the by-poll was not necessary and that it was not his intention to hurt anyone. “Like some speakers, I also made a passing reference to the forthcoming by-elections. I take back that remark.” he said in his statement on Sunday.
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Earlier, with reference to the by-election in Piravom in Ernakulam district, he said, “It is not a fear that came midway but a fear born out of by-election (idayil vandha acham illai, idai-therthal acham). How we wish that the Election Commission conducted the by-election early.”
Mr. Vaiko's criticism comes minutes after he publicly appreciated the Home Minister at a press meeting in Coimbatore on Sunday. “Mr. Chidambaram needs to be appreciated for his statement saying that the fear is only temporary. It comes after a long silence on the part of Congressmen and members of the Union Cabinet.” Mr. Vaiko said in the meeting.
“The statement also needs to be welcomed because it also shows that Tamil politicians are on a platform as far as the Mullaperiyar issue is concerned.” he added.
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Calling on traders to support the December 21 economic blockade, Mr. Vaiko said through the protest the people of Tamil Nadu wanted to convey their opposition and anger to the stand taken by Kerala politicians. “The one-day protest is only symbolic. And it is apolitical. If Kerala politicians continue to spread falsehood, the economic blockade will continue,” he warned.
He also appealed to people on both sides to show restraint and stop attacking people and establishments. “People in Tamil Nadu should not attack unarmed people from Kerala and their establishments. They have come here to make a living and it is against Tamil ethos to do so. And I extend the appeal to the people of Kerala also.” he said.
Referring to former Supreme Court judge Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer's statement that the Mullaperiyar Dam had outlived its lifespan, he said it was unbecoming of a man of his stature to make such a statement. He should refrain himself from making any such statement on the topic.
Mr. Vaiko also said that the real reason behind Kerala's demand for a new dam was to generate electricity and help the hoteliers and resort owners who had built illegal structures on the land that surfaced because of lowering the water level in the dam. He warned that if Kerala continued its rumor mongering and denied the Tamil Nadu its rights, the protests would take various dimensions.