PC ties Kerala bypoll to dam row

CHENNAI: Union Home Minister P Chidambaram charged that the Kerala politicians are adding fuel to protests on Mullaiperiyar due to the ensuing byelection in the neighbouring State. He said the fears of Keralites are not permanent. “We can’t even say that it is an interim apprehension, but it is because of that byelection.” “It will be allayed soon after the apex court passes its orders based on the report of the three justices and other reports submitted in the case so far. The verdict is expected either in February or March which I am hoping for certain will be in favour of TN,” he said.The reservoir was built only to irrigate the dry lands in southern districts which are solely depending on it, he said, adding that the entire water resource of the dam is to be enjoyed by TN. “If that dam is really dilapidated, won’t we (Tamils) enjoying the water be worried?” he asked.Terming the dispute as ‘not simple’, Chidambaram said it was the duty of the Centre to allay the fears of Keralites and added that the Centre will take adequate measures for the same.Meanwhile, the ruling Congress-led UDF and opposition parties in Kerala on Saturday condemned the statement of P Chidambaram. Kerala CM Oommen Chandy said he would complain to the Congress high command about the statement while some leaders from both the UDF and the LDF demanded that he be dropped from the cabinet.   “The first thing we are going to do is to complain to the high command. The Government and the party will convey our protest at Chidambaram’s statement,” Chandy told reporters at Kottayam. CPM veteran V S Achuthanandan wanted Chidambaram to be removed from the cabinet.