Kerala minister to fast today

Stepping up its campaign for a new dam and lowering of the water storage level at the Mullaperiyar dam,Keralas Water Resources Minister P J Joseph would sit on a day-long fast here on Monday. It is rare for a state minister to resort to such an agitation in the Capital.

Josephs fast on a day the Empowered Committee appointed by the Supreme Court to look into the dispute would meet here not just reflects Keralas attempt to keep the issue alive but also the competitive politics that the state is witnessing over the emotive issue.

Leader of the Opposition V S Achuthanandan has already announced he would observe a one-day fast at Mullaperiyar later this week.

Josephs Kerala Congress has strong presence in districts which could be worst-hit if the dam were to burst.