Chennai, Aug 13 - The unveiling of Kannada poet Sarvajna's statue in Tamil Nadu and that of Tamil saint-poet Thiruvalluvar in Karnataka signals a new chapter in the relationship between two states, said Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyruppa.

Unveiling Sarvajna's statue here Thursday, he said: 'Today is Krishna Jayanthi and six crore Kannadigas take this opportunity to wish the people of Tamil Nadu. A new chapter has begun in the relationship between two states.'

He said the unveiling of the statutes - in Bangalore and Chennai - is the first step in a long journey of inter-state relations.

Recalling Sarvajna's sayings that 'we live on the same earth and drink the same water and how can there be differences amongst people?', Yeddyruppa said different opinions could be sorted out through friendship.

Sharing of the Cauvery water is the bone of contention between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for the past several years.

Speaking at the function held at the ICF grounds here, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.