All parties should attend all-party meet: Tamil Nadu Congress

Supporting the all-party meet called by DMK on Cauvery issue, Congress in Tamil Nadu today said all political parties should join hands on such issues as it cited the unity exhibited by their counterparts in Kerala and Karnataka for common cause.
"Cauvery water dispute is a common issue. It is for the welfare of farmers. Normally, political parties in Kerala and Karnataka join hands for a common issue and go to Delhi and make a representation to the Centre. Similarly, in Tamil Nadu, if all political parties join hands, it will be good for the state," TNCC president Su Tirunavukarasar told reporters here.

He also dismissed suggestions that the all-party meeting, to be held tomorrow, had been convened by DMK with an eye on coming elections to three constituencies in Tamil Nadu.
"It is not a meeting to strengthen the alliance. Even if you participate in such a meeting it will not do any harm for your alliance considering that the issue is for the welfare of the farmers," he said.
Meanwhile, Tamil Maanila Congress President and former Union minister G K Vasan said his party would take part in the all-party meeting.
DMK Treasurer and leader of the Opposition in the assembly M K Stalin has convened the all-party meeting to be held at party headquarters to discuss the Cauvery issue.

DMK's allies, Congress and IUML, have confirmed their participation, while BJP has ruled out attending the meet.

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Meanwhile, Minister for Road Transport and Highways Pon Radhakrishnan alleged that the DMK had betrayed the interests of Tamil Nadu on the Cauvery issue though they had come to power promising to protect the Tamils 40 years ago.
Speaking to reporters at Thanjavur, he alleged that DMK had betrayed the state for over four decades and now they are blaming the BJP government at the Centre, he alleged.
He said Tamil Nadu should get its share of water from Cauvery river and Cauvery Management Board should be formed.

"We are focusing on Tamil Nadu getting its share of water from the Cauvery river. The river water dispute could not be solved in one month," he said.
He also said the Election Commission should ensure prevention of distribution of money during the Assembly polls in three constituencies in the state.