‘It’ll herald a new understanding’

‘It’ll herald a new understanding’

S. Rajendran
Bangalore: Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa is of the opinion that unveiling the statues of Thiruvalluvar in Bangalore and Sarvajna in Chennai will herald an understanding between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

The two States have had a strained relationship over the last two decades, particularly in the matter of sharing the Cauvery waters when there is poor rainfall during the south-west monsoon.

Mr. Yeddyurappa, referring to the programme to unveil the statues, told The Hindu, “It all came about by surprise. I had gone to Chennai for a health check-up when Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M. Karunanidhi called me up and said he wanted to see me. I said I would call on him the following day. During our meeting we discussed many things, including the two statues, and it was readily agreed that we should have the programme at a mutually convenient date.”

Asked about the opposition by some Kannada organisations, the Chief Minister said, “It is for cheap popularity. I have always said I will not sacrifice the interests of the State when it comes to land, language, and water. The Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court has given a clear-cut order. Let the leaders of the Kannada organisations know that all of us are for Kannada and Karnataka.”

The proposal to install a statue of Thiruvalluvar in Bangalore was first mooted by the S. Bangarappa Government in 1991. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister inspected the arrangements at the venue where the statue will be unveiled.