Kerala for talks to end dam row, says Oommen Chandy

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Kerala is confident of finding a solution to the Mullaperiyar dam dispute with Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said on Thursday.

Speaking after hoisting the national flag at the Central Stadium here, Chandy also regretted that Kerala's secular traditions had now come under attack.

Chandy took the Republic Day parade salute here as Governor M.O.H. Farook has been unwell for some time.

H.R. Bhardwaj, who holds charge in the absence of Farook, could not come as he is the Karnataka governor.

Chandy said that on the dam issue, his government sought safety for Kerala and water for Tamil Nadu.

"We are confident that through talks we will be able to find a solution and maintain cordial relations between the two states," he said.

The chief minister added that despite keeping the "secular flag" flying high, it was unfortunate there had been efforts in some quarters "to dilute the secular principles of our state.

"It is best that those who did this correct themselves and if that does not happen, then the people of our state will take up that effort," he added.

He said the plan outlay for the Twelfth Five Year Plan was more than Rs.1.50 lakh crore. "This will propel our state into newer realms of development."

Chandy's cabinet colleagues took the salute at similar parades in 13 other district headquarters.