New Delhi, April 2: With Hogenakkal issue turning a political controversy ahead of Karnataka polls, former Chief Minister S M Krishna on Wednesday asked the Centre to "exert" its influence on Tamil Nadu to put on hold the project. "Since there is no elected government in Karnataka now and within two months a popular government will take office, the project should not be allowed to go through by the Tamil Nadu," Krishna told reporters after his meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here.

Krishna, who returned to active politics ahead of the assembly polls in the state, said he wanted the Prime Minister to "exert" his influence on Tamil Nadu to understand the sensitivity on the issue. "The harsh language used by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, whom we consider an elder statesman has naturally provoked the protagonists and as a result of which the unhealthy development is taking place," Krishna said in an obvious reference to the violence in the state.

The Prime Minister said the decision on the project was taken when the NDA government was in office and he would certainly talk to all concerned for a settlement, he said. Asked to comment on Tamil Nadu's contention that the project was within its state, he said Cauvery waters was an inter-state river dispute. If Karnataka starts utilising water which is available in Cauvery without reference to other agreement entered into between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, what would happen".

Krishna said he has also taken up the issue with Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday. Asked who would be the Congress Chief Ministerial candidate, he said there was nothing like projecting anyone as a Chief Ministerial candidate. It is the team effort and it is the team which has to win the elections," he said.

Baalu urges PM

Amidst the standoff over the Hogenakkal issue, Union Shipping Minister T R Baalu on Wednesday called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and urged him to advice the Karnataka government not to oppose the water project. Baalu also presented a copy of the resolution adopted unanimously by the Tamil Nadu assembly yesterday to the Prime Minister and apprised him of the facts relating to the Hogenakkal Integrated Drinking Water Project. Earlier in the day, former Karnataka Chief Minister S M Krishna met Singh and said the Centre should "exert" its influence on Tamil Nadu to put on hold the project. Baalu told Singh that the Centre had given all necessary clearances to the state to implement the project way back in 1998, after convening a meeting of both the states on the issue.