Statue diplomacy begins new Tamil Nadu-Karnataka relations

Chennai, Aug 13 : The unveiling of Kannada poet Sarvajna's statue in Tamil Nadu and that of Tamil saint-poet Thiruvalluvar in Karnataka signals a new chapter in the relationship between two states, said Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyruppa.

Unveiling Sarvajna’s statue here Thursday, he said: 'Today is Krishna Jayanthi and six crore Kannadigas take this opportunity to wish the people of Tamil Nadu. A new chapter has begun in the relationship between two states.”

He said the unveiling of the statutes - in Bangalore and Chennai - is the first step in a long journey of inter-state relations.

Recalling Sarvajna’s sayings that 'we live on the same earth and drink the same water and how can there be differences amongst people?', Yeddyruppa said different opinions could be sorted out through friendship.

Sharing of the Cauvery water is the bone of contention between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for the past several years.

Speaking at the function held at the ICF grounds here, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi said: 'The unveiling of statues is not part of any bargain but an outcome of a friendly gesture.”

Karunanidhi said the Tamil Nadu government has been providing financial assistance to Kannada schools here and treats all the southern languages on equal footing.

'The vow that has to be taken now is both states would work together and see that their respective rights are secured.”

Referring to the large number of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and DMK party flags fluttering side by side on the roads en route to the function venue, Karunanidhi on the lighter vein said: 'I wondered whether there has been any change in the (political) alliance.”

His party DMK is in alliance with the Congress.

The function was attended by ministers, members of parliament and officials from both states.

Tamil movie stars Rajnikanth, Kamal Hassan, Prakash Raj, Saroja Devi and Manorama were present at the function.