Pro-Kannada groups call off bundh

With Tamil Nadu putting on hold the implementation of the controversial drinking water scheme at the disputed Hogenakkal Falls, pro-Kannada groups have withdrawn the proposed statewide general strike on April 10.

Pro-Kannada groups such as the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), Karnataka Gadi Horata Samithi and 300 other organisations had planned a general strike on April 10 to protest against Tamil Nadu.

"Since Tamil Nadu has suspended work on the project, we have also decided to put on hold the general strike. If Tamil Nadu resumes work on the project, we will restart our protest," said former legislator and Karnataka Gadi Horata Samithi Vatal Nagaraj.

The KRV plans to take a delegation of Kannada groups, writers and farmers' representatives to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi later this month to present facts.

"We will decide the date next week, but we are planning it for April 20. We want the prime minister to know the truth. We urge the Centre to conduct a joint survey of the disputed area before permitting to Tamil Nadu to carry out work," KRV President Narayana Gowda said.

Congress Election Management Committee Chairman S M Krishna thanked Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi for putting the project on hold till a popular government was in place in the state.

Former prime minister H D Deve Gowda said Karunanidhi's assurance cannot be taken seriously. "His tone and tenor does not augur well in a federal set up. It is a tactic adopted by Tamil Nadu pressure Karnataka," he added.

He said the JD(S) would protect the interests of the state if elected to power in the polls.

Karnataka is under President's Rule and polls to the state assembly is scheduled for May and an elected government should be in place by May end.