Karnataka move for check dam will hit farmers: Vaiko

MDMK general secretary Vaiko, addressing an agitation at the five road junction in Krishnagiri on Monday, accused the Centre of betraying Tamil Nadu in several issues, including inter-State river sharing.

Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Vaiko on Monday urged the government to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the Karnataka government's move to construct a check dam across the South Pennar river in Hosakotta taluk for diverting water to over 160 lakes in and around Malur.

Addressing an agitation at the five-road junction in Krishnagiri, Mr. Vaiko pointed out that Karnataka was also building a dam across the Cauvery at Magathathu.

He accused the Centre of betraying the interests of Tamil Nadu on several issues, including sharing of water of inter-State rivers. It should intervene immediately and prevent the Karnataka government from going ahead with its plan, which would affect the livelihood of farmers in Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram and Cuddalore.

Mr. Vaiko said that the party was yet to decide on contesting the by-election to the Pudukottai Assembly constituency.

Over 2,000 workers participated in the agitation.