Rajnikath Blames Karnataka Politicians for Hogenakal Row
Pictures: Sivarasan Gellidson - Daijiworld Media Network Chennai
Chennai, Apr 5: Actor Rajnikanth on Friday blasted senior political leaders of Karnataka for politicising the Hogenakal row, and called on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi to nip the issue in the bud lest it went theRajnikanth Cauvery way.
The entire Tamil film industry, including artistes of Kannada origin, observed a token fast here to condemn attacks on theatres screening Tamil films and Tamil institutions in Karnataka, over the water project.
“When the Hogenakal issue had been settled between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka long ago, should not those who raise it now with an eye on the elections, be kicked?” Rajni fumed. Without naming BJP’s B S Yeddyurappa, he said, “A senior leader of a national party instigates agitation, all because elections are due in Karnataka.”
In an apparent reference to Congress leader S M Krishna, he said, “Another senior leader who has returned from Bombay says the provocation has come from Kalaignar (Karunanidhi).” “You speak the truth,” he hit back at Krishna. He said the stand taken by the two leaders was “a disgrace”. The actor also appealed to senior leaders H D Deve Gowda and his son Kumaraswamy not to make Hogenakal row an election issue.
South Indian Film Artistes Association president Sarath Kumar and Vijayakanth said just as the Left parties were using their clout with the Centre to block the nuclear deal, the DMK should see to it that the Union government helped in the execution of the project. If necessary, Karunanidhi should pull DMK out of the UPA government, Kumar said.
Earlier News from Bangalore:
Bangalore: Sandalwood Stars Stage Dharna over Hogenakkal
Bangalore, Apr 5: The Kannada film industry has called upon all national and regional political parties to express their stand on all Kannada-related issues, including the Cauvery and the Krishna inter-State water issues and the long-pending demand for implementation of the Mahajan report, in their respective election manifestoes.
A majority of the Kannada protagonists, particularly leading Kannada film personalities, who staged a dharna here on Friday to protest against the Tamil Nadu Government’s decision to construct a drinking water project at Hogenakkal, were united in the demand on election manifestoes spelling out the stance of the political parties vis-a-vis Hogenakkal.
Many film artistes, directors, producers, technicians and others held the “opportunist politicians” of both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu responsible for the ongoing Hogenakkal imbroglio.
They appealed to the people of both the States to refrain from succumbing to the “evil designs” of vested interests and let loose their emotion since such an act could jeopardise the healthy relationship. Speakers felt that the Hogenakkal issue would not have gained undue momentum and caused anxiety had Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and Union Minister Anbumani Ramadoss refrained from making “inflammatory and provocative” statements against “Kannada, Kannadigas and the geographical sovereignty of Karnataka.”
Other actors, including Kamal Hassan, were rest-rained for fear of provoking further backlash against Tamils in Karnataka.
Shootings were cancelled for the day and cinemas cancelled noon and matinee shows.