KC(M) stand on dam issue puts UDF in a fix

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The belligerent stance adopted by the Kerala Congress(M) on the Mullaperiyar issue by moving on its own track and the conservative approach of the Congress even when demanding construction of a new dam as a final solution to the issue, is creating problems within the UDF. While the Congress announced a slew of programmes including indefinite fasts, the fact that Kerala Congress is far ahead in asserting itself on the Mullaperiyar issue has annoyed the Congress. This feeling was reflected at the KPCC executive committee meet held  here on Monday. Even though the Congress had downplayed the fast conducted on Monday at Chappath in Idukki by Finance Minister K M Mani and at Birla Mandir in New Delhi by Water Resources Minister P J Joseph as ‘prayer mission,’ the message has dawned on the Congress that the regional outfit will push ahead with its own agenda because of the high political stakes involved. ‘’We know that the Kerala Congress is keen to derive maximum political mileage while highlighting the Mullaperiyar issue,’’  said KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala. “The Mullaperiyar issue is poised for a settlement soon,’’ Chennithala added, hinting that the Congress was also not prepared to take the issue lying down. He  also pointed out that even the UDF and LDF have a common stance to protect the state’s interests in the issue.  ‘’The Kerala Congress is committed to stand by the people on an issue, wherein the lives of lakhs of people are at stake. Power or position will not come in its way,’’ reiterated Water Resources Minister P J Joseph. ‘’The Centre should see to it that environment clearance is given for constructing a new dam in Mullaperiyar. We cannot remain silent,’’ asserted Finance Minister and Kerala Congress(M) supremo K M Mani. The tough stance of Kerala Congress(M) is giving hopes to a couple of minor partners in the UDF who are forced to remain silent for want of representation in the Assembly.  Despite Chief Minister Oommen Chandy suggestion that it is better for ministers to desist from open protest on the Mullaperiyar, the Kerala Congress decided to strike a path of its own based on the mood of its cadre base in Idukki and adjoining districts. Turning a blind eye towards the reality at the grassroots level could be too costly for any political party. It is more so for a regional outfit like Kerala Congress. And same is the case with regional parties like DMK, AIADMK, MDMK on the other side of the border.