Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Tamil Nadu opposition leader Udhayanidhi Stalin on Thursday launched a fresh attack on the Vijay-led government over its Budget and handling of the Cauvery water dispute, accusing it of failing farmers and reneging on its promise of a complete farm loan waiver.
Udhayanidhi, who wore a black shirt to the Assembly along with other DMK members, said the protest was aimed at highlighting the plight of farmers, particularly those in the Cauvery delta who have been affected by difficulties in cultivating the Kuruvai crop.
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“Delta farmers are suffering due to the non-cultivation of the Kuruvai crop. To protest against and express our opposition to this government, we have worn black shirts today,” Udhayanidhi said.
He also took aim at the state Budget, claiming that it offered little new for farmers despite the problems confronting the agricultural sector.
“Nothing new was announced in today’s Budget. In their election promises, they had assured a complete farm loan waiver, but they have implemented only a partial waiver. Today, farmers are demanding a complete loan waiver,” he said.
The DMK leader also sought to corner the government over the Cauvery water-sharing dispute and Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu dam project, demanding that Chief Minister Vijay convene an all-party meeting to present a united Tamil Nadu position on the two issues.
Udhayanidhi claimed Karnataka had openly said it would not release water and had even asked the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister not to visit the neighbouring state.
“We have been continuously making our demand. Convene an all-party meeting. On the Cauvery issue and the Mekedatu issue, convene an all-party meeting and show that all political parties in Tamil Nadu are united and share the same position,” he said.
Udhayanidhi said the Opposition had sought the Speaker’s permission to raise both the Cauvery and Mekedatu issues during Question Hour on Friday and hoped the Chief Minister would respond in the Assembly.
“During tomorrow’s Question Hour, we have requested the Speaker to allow a discussion on the Cauvery water issue and the Mekedatu dam issue. At that time, we will speak in detail about the matter. We hope that the Chief Minister will at least speak on this issue tomorrow,” he said.
The DMK leader alleged that farmers had been facing a series of problems over the past three months and accused the government of failing to adequately address their concerns.
“The farmers have been facing several problems under this government. For the past three months, they have been struggling with various issues. There is the Mekedatu dam issue, and farmers also feel they have been let down over the crop loan waiver,” he said.
“We are protesting against this government in support of the farmers and to stand up for their rights,” Udhayanidhi added.
The Cauvery dispute and the proposed Mekedatu reservoir have long been contentious issues between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Tamil Nadu has opposed the Mekedatu project over concerns about its potential impact on the flow of Cauvery water to the state.
With the DMK now seeking an Assembly discussion and an all-party meeting, the Cauvery row and farmers’ demands are likely to become major points of confrontation between the Opposition and the Vijay government.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
