Jayalalithaa demands Karunanidhis resignation over Hogenakkal Water Project

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) chief J. Jayalalithaa today demanded immediate resignation of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, attacking him with failing the people by upholding the Hogenakkal Water Project.

Chennai, Apr 8 : All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) chief J. Jayalalithaa today demanded immediate resignation of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, attacking him with failing the people by upholding the Hogenakkal Water Project.

Earlier in the day, the Opposition leader led a walkout of AIADMK members in the State Assembly after denial of permission by Speaker R. Avudaiyappan over moving a special adjournment motion during the Question Hour.

She told reporters that resolutions were unanimously passed on March 27 and April 1 by Local Administration Minister M.K. Stalin and Karunanidhi respectively for implementation of the project.

"But on April 5, even when the Assembly session was on, the Chief Minister issued a unilateral statement, saying that the project had been put on hold till a new popular government was elected in Karnataka," she said, adding that he did this without convening the Cabinet or consulting all parties on April 5.

She further said: "Has Karunanidhi given Karnataka the rights to decide on our projects? I call for his immediate resignation," adding that there is a need for a government in the state "with a strong political will".

Meanwhile, the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) chief, Vaiko, staged a protest here on Monday demanding implementation of the Hogenakkal water project.

The Rs. 1334-crore Hogenakal drinking water project is expected to provide water supply for the people in Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts.

Hogenakal, a beautiful natural boundary between the two states is attracting attacks and counter attacks from various quarters for the past few days.

ANI