Haasan meets Gowda Jr, seeks release of water

Film actor and politician Kamal Haasan on Monday met Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy in Bengaluru seeking the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan was very happy with the response of the Chief Minister Kumaraswamy. He met Kumaraswamy at the official residence of the Chief Minister for over an hour and said he came on behalf of the people of Tamil Nadu and wants the Cauvery Management Authority to be expedited.

In a joint briefing Kumaraswamy said the farmers of the two States are important and wants a cordial relationship without hurting each other. He said “Regarding Water Management Board, what Kamal discussed with me, both States maintain cordial relationship as brothers and sisters whatever problems we have to equally share. Both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu farmers are important.”

Kumaraswamy said maintaining a harmonious relation between the two States and expediting the resolution of the issue, keeping the interests of farmers of both the States in mind, were discussed. When asked if he was willing to hold talks with Tamil Nadu on Cauvery he said “if the Tamil Nadu Government is ready, I am willing.”

Kamala Haasan who shares a good relation with HD Kumaraswamy also a film producer and  said Chief Ministers response was heartening. He said “We would like Cauvery Management Authority expedited. This attitude is what we are expecting. I am very happy that here is a CM who's looking at it in the same manner.”

Like an astute politician Kamal went on to say  that although the matter is in court, the water sharing dispute needs to be decided between the people. “I am a son of lawyer and I have a lot of lawyers. And their advice is settling it between people. Court should be last resort. If people of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka come together, I see hope in the conversation I had with him. The way forward is for people to have the mindset to go forward,” he said.

Cauvery basin is getting rains as the monsoon has started pounding the area. Kamal said “The kuruvai crop is coming up. You have seen some rain; you can afford to be kind.” However he denied discussing anything about the release of super star Rajnikanth’s Kaala or about any films.

“This discussion was nothing about films. There is chamber to look into it. This (Cauvery issue) is more important,” said the Makkal Needhi Maiam leader. On being asked if he was going to be the bridge between the two States, Kamal said, “I come on behalf of the people. I can be anything. I am a child. Mine is a new party. I can be anything for the people.”

Earlier in the day, while speaking to reporters in Chennai, Kamal said there should be no politics over the Cauvery verdict. He, however, added, “There should be no trace of violence in protests, but (the State) shouldn't stop protests.”