Tuesday, September 27 2005 17:17 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: Joining issue with Tamil Nadu, Karnataka today (Sept 27, 2005) asserted that the island on the border between the two states situated near Hogenakkal falls belonged to the state 'legally and morally' and charged that the neighboring state's claim to it was 'politically motivated'.

"With no issues left to be raked up, Tamil Nadu is raising the island issue unnecessarily and with an eye on the upcoming assembly elections in that state", Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister M P Prakash said at a meet the press programme organised by the Bangalore Reporters' Guild, obviously replying to Tamil Nadu's claims over the area.

Hitherto, Tamil Nadu banked upon water releases from Cauvery, but this year lot of water has flowed into the sea following copies rains, he said.

Obviously referring to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's statement warning Karnataka not to raise the dispute over the land, Prakash dubbed the stand taken by her as 'illegal' and against the concept of 'federal structure'.

Ever since 1956 after formation of states on linguistic basis, the 350 acre Island near Hogenakal falls remained under the control of Karnataka, which has been maintaining it, he said, adding that the people living around that area including Gopinathapuram were in the electoral list of the state.

Prakash said a joint survey was taken up to determinate the boundary between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu but the survey commenced from Hogenakkal much against the wishes of the state, which he termed as 'illegal'. Karnataka had insisted that the survey begin from Beyampady in Gundalpet, a proposal which was accepted by Tamil Nadu.

Karnataka would not allow its territory to be encroached upon by Tamil Nadu, Prakash asserted.

Both the states have locked horns over the island in recent times.