Chennai: Taking forward the statue diplomacy to foster harmonious relationship between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the Chief Ministers of the two states on Thursday affirmed that festering disputes could be resolved amicably.
A statue of the 16th century Kannada saint-poet Sarvajna was unveiled on Thursday by Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, five days after the bust of Tamil savant Thiruvalluvar was unveiled in Bangalore by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi.
Thiruvalluvar statue was unveiled after an 18-year-long wait due to opposition from some Kannada outfits.
"Let us take a vow to lead the people of both states to live in unity and harmony without foregoing our rights," Karunanidhi said after Yeddyurappa unveiled the statue installed at Jeeva Park in Ayanvaram.
Noting Yeddyurappa's remarks that no issues could remain unresolved through dialogue, Karunanidhi cautioned him of those people who were bent upon opposing any settlement for opposition sake.
Asserting that the unveiling of statues in both the states was "not a bargain", he said it was only aimed at strengthening friendship and affection. "People could also follow their (Thiruvalluvar and Sarvajna) principles and could adopt them in their daily lives," he added.
Yeddyurappa said unveiling of statues had helped in creating a bridge of friendship between the people of both the states.
The statue diplomacy which began with Yeddyurappa calling on Karunanidhi during his recent visit to Chennai has injected a new warmth in the ties between the two states strained for decades over the Cauvery water sharing dispute.
Yeddyurappa said the friendship between the people of both the states were age-old and time-tested, but there were disputes between them, apparently referring to the Cauvery issue.
"There are disputes between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. But nothing is irresolvable if we adopt give and take approach. younger brother (Chinna thambi) and elder brother (periyannanavar) can build the bridge of friendship," he said.
"Differences between the states are natural. But through mutual trust, understanding and exchange of views, they can be resolved," he said.
The warmth between Karunanidhi and Yeddyurappa was very much evident as the Karnataka Chief Minister referred to him as "periyannanavar". "I had lost my elder brother two years ago, but now I see my periyannanavar in Karunanidhi," Yeddyurappa said.
Yeddyurappa, accompanied by a large contingent of state ministers, Kannada litterateurs and personalities from the Kannada film industry, came here by a special aircraft and was given a rousing reception at the airport on his arrival.
"Existing critical issues between the states can be resolved through dialogue and with mutual respect. Through dialogue with my elder brother Karunanidhi, issues will be solved with a sense of give and take," Yeddyurappa told reporters at the airport.
On the unveiling of statues, he said by honouring "these great souls, we are not only honouring ourselves but also the great civilisations of Tamilians and Kannadigas."
The statues' unveiling materialised with the support of various sections of people including poets, writers and political leaders, Yeddyurappa said, adding that the two statues represented the symbol of bonding of heart and victory of good over evil.
The people of both the states were known for their tolerance and respect for visionary leaders, he said.
The Thiruvallur statue unveiling had created a new era in the relationship between the two states, which would serve as a model throughout the country, he said.
He suggested that the four southern states could organise seminars to help in fostering better understanding and relations among them.
Tamil film actors, including super star Rajanikanth, Kamal Hasan, Prakash Raj, Manoramma, Saroja Devi and Jayanthi, and lyricist Vairamuthu were present on the occasion.
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