'TDP's no confidence move, Cauvery issue should not be linked'

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami today said the issues of TDP's no-trust move in Parliament and the demand for constitution of the Cauvery Management Board (CMB) should not be linked.

Both AIADMK and DMK sparred over the issue when it came up during discussions in the assembly.

The Chief Minister said TDP had been a part of the NDA regime and took the step of a no confidence motion over its demand for special categoery status to Andhra Pradesh.

"We are seeking CMB in Parliament and nobody voiced their support to us. They (TDP) are taking up only their problem and are not pointing out our problem. For our issue, our MPs are continuously raising the issue in Parliament and giving pressure to the Centre," he said.

DMK member K Pichandi trigerred the debate after narrating a story on "friendship" between a tiger and a deer and alleged the AIADMK regime was not taking steps on the Cauvery issue, considering its friendly ties with the Centre.

The tiger spared the deer despite being hungry, the DMK MLA said as members heard him in rapt attention.

Palaniswami said DMK was part of a previous BJP-led regime at the Centre, while his party "did not form an alliance and did not extend support (to BJP).

"It should be pondered if the story would apply to you or us," he said and wanted the Opposition to see the extent of pressure being mounted on the Centre on the issue.

AIADMK MPs are disrupting Parliament proceedings in an 'unprecedented manner' to pressurise the Centre to set up the Cauvery Management Board and Cauvery Water Regulatory Committee, the Chief Minister said.

Without elaborating, Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar asked if the Leader of Opposition in the assembly M K Stalin had persuaded the Congress top brass, based on their friendship, since Karnataka was being governed by that party.

Stalin retorted saying,"you say that your government is not able to do anything (on Cauvery) and we will do it."
DMK Deputy Leader Duraimurugan said "you are saying that you are opposing (the Centre), we hope that you would support the no-confidence motion (in Parliament)."