Hogenakkal row: 'PM must exert influence on TN'

With Hogenakkal issue turning a political controversy ahead of Karnataka polls, former Chief Minister S M Krishna on Wednesday asked the Centre to 'exert' its influence on Tamil Nadu to put on hold the project.

What is the Cauvery dispute?

"Since there is no elected government in Karnataka now and within two months a popular government will take office, the project should not be allowed to go through by the Tamil Nadu," Krishna told media persons after his meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi.

Krishna, who returned to active politics ahead of the assembly polls in the state, said he wanted the prime minister to 'exert' his influence on Tamil Nadu to understand the sensitivity on the issue.

"The harsh language used by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, whom we consider an elder statesman, has naturally provoked the protagonists and as a result of which the unhealthy development is taking place," Krishna said in an obvious reference to the violence in the state.

The prime minister said the decision on the project was taken when the NDA government was in office and he would certainly talk to all concerned for a settlement, he said.

Asked to comment on Tamil Nadu's contention that the project was within its state, he said, "Cauvery water was an inter-state river dispute. If Karnataka starts utilising water, which is available in Cauvery without reference to other agreement entered into between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, what would happen?"

Krishna had also taken up the issue with Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday.