Tamil Nadu water resources minister N Anand
The meeting has been deferred, according to officials. CHENNAI: A scheduled meeting of Tamil Nadu water resources minister N Anand and health minister K G Arunraj with Keralam chief minister V D Satheesan and water resources minister Mons Joseph in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday to discuss pending inter-state water-sharing issues did not materialise as the Election Commission of India was yet to clear it.
However, it asked that Monday’s visit be treated as a “courtesy call only,” with substantive discussions on inter-state water issues to be held at a later, detailed meeting. Keralam said it hoped the courtesy calls would be constructive and that discussions on matters of mutual concern would follow. “The exchange of concerns and an amicable settlement in due course may be pursued thereafter through constructive dialogue,” the govt said in its letter.
Congress-led UDF govt in Keralam responded to Tamil Nadu’s request on Friday itself.
It sought the ECI’s clearance for the meeting, but permission did not come in time,” an official source said. “Tamil Nadu wants to initiate talks with Keralam to resolve the issues amicably. The meeting with the Keralam chief minister was intended to begin discussions on areas where an agreement is possible within the existing framework. The state govt is expected to fix a fresh date after the model code of conduct is lifted.
Tamil Nadu govt sought the meeting on Friday.