Thiruvananthapuram: The Opposition LDF in Kerala on Friday demanded resignation of the advocate general alleging his statement on the safety of the Mullaperiyar dam in the high court was against the state's avowed stand.
While making statements on the safety measures being taken by the government required in the event of the dam's collapse, KP Dandpani purportedly said three downstream dams of Idukki, Kulavamuvu and Cheruthoni could contain the waters
of Mullaperiyar.
Though Dandapani clarified later his statements were 'distorted' by a section of media, Leader of Opposition in the assembly VS Achuthanandan immediately seized on the issue demanding the AG's resignation arguing it amounted to weakening Kerala's case.
The 88-year-old CPI-M leader, a vanguard campaigner for a new dam, also questioned the sincerity of the UDF government in pursing Kerala's case earnestly despite the Opposition giving 'unstinted' support to the cause.
Interestingly, Achuthanandan also took exception to his party Politburo's 'reluctance' to take a firm stand supporting Kerala's demand for a new dam.
"The Politburo stand did not reflect people's sentiments. I hope, Politburo would correct it," he told reporters.
The LDF also took strong objection to the statement of Revenue Minister Thiruvanchur Radhakrishnan that in the present situation, the Idukki dam could contain the overflow from Mullaperiyar in an eventuality.
Refuting reports that he had made statements in the court contrary to the state's position, Dandapani said all statements made by him were based on the submissions received from the government.
Asserting that he had done his duty with "honesty and integrity", he said it was unfortunate that a section of media 'misquoted' him.
Squarely blaming the Centre for allowing the issue to drag, BJP national spokesperson Nirmala Sitaraman said the prime minister should have intervened in the matter.
Meanwhile, the State Disaster Management authority met here and reviewed the action plan for the rescue and relief operation to be carried out if an emergency situation arose. Radhakrishnan, who presided, said the government would take steps to relieve the people of anxiety and panic.
In Kottayam, state Water Resources Minister PJ Joseph urged the Centre to set up a statutory authority like Dam Safety Authority saying such a measure would help avoid several inter-state disputes.
Building a new dam alone could solve the issue, he said, adding Kerala was ready to bear the cost of Rs 700 crore. CPI MLA E S Bijimol, who has been on fast over the issue near the dam since last Sunday, was shifted to hospital by police after her health deteriorated.
In Idukki, where the dam is located, protests and campaigns by parties and voluntary groups continued.
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