Prove sceptics wrong on CMB issue, Kamal Haasan tells PM

Chennai: Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to immediately set up the Cauvery Management Board, saying it was his duty to prove wrong the notion that it was being delayed due to the Assembly polls in Karnataka. Setting up the CMB was also the Centre’s constitutional duty, he said. 

“You must be aware of the agitations that have gripped Tamil Nadu due to the injustice meted out,” the actor-turned-politician said in a letter to Modi, a copy of which was released to the media here. People were dismayed by the delay in setting up the CMB, Kamal said and added that they were holding protests “to get justice”. “The Supreme Court has already performed its constitutional role by delivering its judgment. It is now the turn of your government to perform its constitutional duty and implement the order,” he said.  Recalling Modi’s earlier stint as Gujarat chief minister, Kamal said he already had the experience of sharing water among four states through the Narmada Control Authority. 

“Please do the needful as our prime minister and set up the CMB to ensure implementation of the apex court order in letter and spirit,” the actor said. “All sections of people have started to believe that the delay (in forming CMB) is due to the ensuing election in Karnataka and your party’s interest in it,” he claimed. “It is your duty as the Prime Minister of our country to prove this wrong by immediately acting as per the Supreme Court order,” Kamal said. The actor said he was sure that Modi would fulfil his duty towards the people and farmers of Tamil Nadu by setting up the CMB immediately. Kerala and Puducherry should also get their rightful share as per the apex court verdict, he said. Constituting the CMB was of utmost importance to ensure this, he said, adding, he looked forward to immediate action. In a video clip of little over one minute, Haasan made the same plea to Modi to set up the CMB and do justice.