Dam row unsettles anti-BJP front

N Ravikumar |NT

The release of water from Mullaperiyar dam even before the water level reached the stipulated 142 feet threatens to ruin the bid by the DMK, Congress and Left parties to build a national-level anti-BJP front, even while Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai accuses the DMK of sacrificing TN’s interests for alliance politics.

Following heavy rains in October this year, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan requested his Tamil Nadu counterpart MK Stalin to maintain the water level at 137 feet and release the excess water into Idukki dam in Kerala, following fears about dam’s safety. Water was released from the dam on October 29 even before the level reached 142 feet, leading to allegations that the DMK government is compromising the interests of the State for political convenience.

AIADMK, the opposition party, raised questions about why Kerala ministers were present during the water release and pointed out that it is not the usual procedure.  AIADMK coordinator O Panneerselcam also asked why water was released to Idukki dam in Kerala, even before water had reached the arid districts of Ramanathapuram and Sivagangai in Tamil Nadu.

Even DMK’s ally and MDMK leader Vaiko alleged that political parties in Kerala must stop their campaign against Mullaperiyar dam and allow TN to store 142 feet of water. Pro-Tamil party Naam Thamizhar too took up the issue, charged the DMK of surrendering TN’s rights won after years of struggle.

BJP state president Annamalai, not missing an opportunity to drive a wedge between the DMK-CPM alliance in Tamil Nadu, said the dam remains the livelihood for farmers in five districts in South Tamil Nadu and releasing water to Kerala’s Idukki dam before water reached the tail-end areas in Tamil Nadu will affect Tamil Nadu farmers. He also charged the DMK with helping the CPM government in Kerala by sacrificing Tamil Nadu interests.

Mullaperiyar row between TN and Kerala had remained a sensitive political issue between the two states. Although, TN PWD minister K Duraimurugan had promised to raise the water level to 142 feet, farmers in south Tamil Nadu are gearing up for protests against release of water to Kerala. If the issue further intensifies into a political confrontation, it will be a serious setback to efforts by the DMK and Communist parties to stay united and fight the BJP at the Centre.