Modi government stalling CMB formation for political gain: CPI (M)

Former State secretary of the CPI(M) in Tamil Nadu G. Ramakrishnan on Thursday accused the Narendra Modi-led BJP government of misusing the Cauvery issue for political gain, causing a stalemate in the formation of the Cauvery Management Board.

He also slammed the BJP government stating that it has been acting repeatedly against the interests of Tamil Nadu.

“Even after the Supreme Court ordered the Centre to form a scheme for water sharing in its order on February 16, the Centre did nothing for six weeks and submitted a plea on March 29 seeking explanation of the scheme. It also sought three months of additional time for its formation. Despite the clear order by the apex court, the Modi-led government is creating a stalemate in the formation of CMB,” he said after hoisting a black flag in front of the CPI(M) office in Coimbatore in protest against Mr. Modi’s visit to Chennai on Thursday.

Mr. Ramakrishnan said that Cauvery delta districts, which were rice bowls of Tamil Nadu, had become desert-like terrains as Mettur dam was not opened on June 12 for kuruvai cultivation in the last six years. Samba cultivation has also failed in the period adding to the worries of the people of Tamil Nadu.

Mr. Ramakrishnan accused that Vice-Chancellors appointed in three Tamil Nadu Universities - Dr. Ambedkar Law University, Tamil Nadu Music and Fine Arts University and Anna University were in the interests of the BJP Government. He said that AIADMK Government in Tamil Nadu is acting as a tool of BJP-led Centre and pointed that Finance Minister of the State failed to take part in the recent meeting of Finance Ministers from Southern States held in Kerala to discuss on 15th Finance Commission.

Condemning the State police for action against people who are protesting over CMB issue, Mr. Ramakrishnan said that police should not oppress and interfere in democratic way of protests. He added that protesters ending their lives over the Cauvery issue is not a good trend and the same should not be encouraged.