All parties should attend all-party meet: Tamil Nadu Congress

Supporting the all-party meet called by DMK on Cauvery issue, Congress in Tamil Nadu today said all political parties should join hands on such issues as it cited the unity exhibited by their counterparts in Kerala and Karnataka for common cause.

"Cauvery water dispute is a common issue. It is for the welfare of farmers. Normally, political parties in Kerala and Karnataka join hands for a common issue and go to Delhi and make a representation to the Centre. Similarly, in Tamil Nadu, if all political parties join hands, it will be good for the state," TNCC president Su Tirunavukarasar told reporters here.

He also dismissed suggestions that the all-party meeting, to be held tomorrow, had been convened by DMK with an eye on coming elections to three constituencies in Tamil Nadu.

"It is not a meeting to strengthen the alliance. Even if you participate in such a meeting it will not do any harm for your alliance considering that the issue is for the welfare of the farmers," he said.
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Meanwhile, Tamil Maanila Congress President and former Union minister G K Vasan said his party would take part in the all-party meeting.

DMK Treasurer and leader of the Opposition in the assembly M K Stalin has convened the all-party meeting to be held at party headquarters to discuss the Cauvery issue.

DMK's allies, Congress and IUML, have confirmed their participation, while BJP has ruled out attending the meet.

DMK has convened the meet after the ruling AIADMK rejected demands for the all-party meet in the backdrop of non-constitution of Cauvery Management Board by the Centre.