Udhayanidhi Slams Vijay Govt Over Cauvery Water Crisis, Farmers’ Plight

Thanjavur, Aug 3

Leader of the Opposition and DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin on Monday led a demonstration in Thanjavur against the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led Tamil Nadu government, accusing it of failing to effectively handle the Cauvery water dispute and protect farmers in the delta districts.

The DMK organised the protest demanding that the State government take steps to prevent Karnataka from proceeding with the proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir project, waive agricultural loans and declare the Cauvery delta districts drought-affected in view of the prevailing water shortage.

Addressing the gathering, Udhayanidhi expressed concern over the condition of the Cauvery, pointing out that the river remained nearly dry even during the recent Aadi Perukku festival, traditionally associated with abundant water flow.

He alleged that the State government’s failure to secure adequate Cauvery water had severely affected agricultural operations. Farmers had already suffered losses in the kuruvai season, while uncertainty continued over samba and thaladi cultivation, he said.

Udhayanidhi accused the government headed by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay of lacking the ability to effectively deal with the long-standing inter-State river dispute. He alleged that the administration had failed to take adequate measures to safeguard Tamil Nadu’s share of Cauvery water and provide relief to affected farmers.

The DMK leader also targeted Water Resources Minister N. Anand, alleging that he avoided facing the media amid the water crisis. He criticised Agriculture Minister R. Vinoth over reports that he had taken the Agriculture Budget documents to Tirupati to seek divine blessings.

Intensifying his attack on the Cabinet, Udhayanidhi alleged that persons with questionable backgrounds had been appointed Ministers and described the Council of Ministers as being “full of clowns.”

Deputy Leader of the Opposition K.N. Nehru, senior DMK functionaries, alliance leaders and a large number of party cadres participated in the demonstration.