Karnataka, TN script a new friendship chapter

Karnataka chief minister (CM) BS Yeddyurappa watered the seed of amity sown by Tamil Nadu CM M Karunanidhi in Bangalore on August 9 — Karuna had unveiled the statue of Tamil poet-saint Thiruvalluvar — on Thursday by unveiling the statue of Kannada poet Sarvajna at Jeeva Park in Ayanavaram via video-conferencing from the adjacent RPF parade ground.

Both CMs quoted from Sarvajna’s three-line verses when they said, “We haven’t just unveiled statues of Thiruvalluvar and Sarvajna, we have established a new bond between the two states.”

“The unveiling of the statues of Thiruvalluvar in Bangalore and Sarvajna in Chennai has scripted a new chapter in Karnataka-Tamil Nadu relationship,” Yeddy said.

The states have an 18-year history of differences. “We have taken a step in the right direction, which many people may not like. But we have resolved to behave as responsible siblings — Yeddyurappa addressed Karunanidhi as periya anna (elder brother) and Karunanidhi reciprocated by addressing him as thambi (younger brother) — and have to spread this affection,” Karunanidhi said.