Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi's 'changing stands and statements' on the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal's final award have created confusion among the public and political parties, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Vaiko said on Monday.
Karunanidhi had said initially that the state would receive 419 tmcft and was relieved with the award whereas the Pattali Makkal Katchi, which is supporting the government from outside, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and MDMK expressed dissatisfaction, Vaiko told reporters.
He claimed that a couple of days ago Karunanidhi had reportedly said in Thanjavur that the award was more advantageous to Tamil Nadu than to Karnataka.
"These changing stands and statements have created confusion among the public and parties, including PMK. The minority Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government has miserably failed to protect and champion the basic rights of the state, as far as river waters, the lifeline of Tamil Nadu, is concerned," he said.
The government has failed to protect the rights of the state on the Mullaperiyar issue, Parambikulam-Azhiyar project and Palar, he alleged.
On supporting a one-day bandh over the tribunal award in Tamil Nadu, as suggested by PMK founder Dr Ramadoss, Vaiko said Karunanidhi himself has not spelt DMK's stand or taken up the issue at the recent all-party meeting on the Cauvery issue - "Let the ruling party decide on the issue. Then we will discuss in the party fora and decide."
Referring to the recent bypolls to Chennai corporation, Vaiko alleged that Tamil Nadu was now witnessing an 'undeclared emergency-like situation'.
The people have clearly shown their anger by not coming in large numbers to vote, protesting the attitude of the government and the State Election Commission, who as a constitutional authority, failed to discharge his duty in an impartial manner, he alleged.
The recent remarks made by a senior minister Arcot N Veerasamy against the High Court judges were clear indication that 'democracy is in danger' in the state, Vaiko said.
When it was pointed out that Karunanidhi has stressed the need for linking of rivers, Vaiko said he was the first person to raise the issue in Parliament through a private members' bill, 'which DMK has not supported'.
It was through MDMK's efforts the matter was included in the common minimum programme, he claimed.
On the Salem railway division, he said Kerala did not have claim over Tamil Nadu areas.
Moreover, MDMK wanted to include Kanyakumari, Nagercoil and Tirunelveli to the Madurai division, after taking them away from Thiruvananthapuram division.
On supporting President A P J Abdul Kalam for a second term in office, Vaiko said the party would support him.