MK Stalin, the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and president of the DMK, has issued a strong warning regarding the ongoing Cauvery water dispute, highlighting that the water that was due to reach the state by June 12 has yet to arrive. He stated that if farmers’ demands are not addressed, protests will escalate. In an announcement on X, he proclaimed that the disappointment of farmers is palpable as they gather to express their distress on ‘Aadi Perukku’, a day traditionally celebrating the river.

Stalin acknowledged the participation of various allied party leaders, including Jawahirullah from the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi and Thamimun Ansari from the Manithaneya Jananayaga Katchi, along with representatives from farmers’ associations, in the demonstration aimed at highlighting the farming community’s grievances.

Commenting on the current situation, Stalin reiterated that the absence of the promised water even in August underlines the severity of the issue. He expressed a sense of urgency about the need to resolve the concerns of farmers who rely heavily on the river for their livelihoods.

Criticism of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay

Stalin targeted the state’s current Chief Minister, C Joseph Vijay, questioning his silence on Karnataka’s refusal to release water to Tamil Nadu. He suggested that the well-being of farmers might be compromised to cater to the interests of cinema industries in neighbouring states. Stalin demanded accountability, asking, “Has the Chief Minister spoken out against the Karnataka government’s actions?” while elucidating that farmers are being held in a precarious position due to inaction.

The former Chief Minister also noted the need for an all-party meeting regarding the controversial Mekedatu Dam, questioning why such a gathering had taken place in Karnataka but not in Tamil Nadu. This reflects his perception that the state government lacks initiative in advocating for the rights of Tamil Nadu farmers.

Stalin further remarked on the broader implications of ignoring farmer issues, referencing the arrest of farmers in Nagpur, and urged the Chief Minister to engage with the agricultural community instead of neglecting their plight.

DMK’s Assertive Stance on Farmers’ Rights

The DMK has asserted that protests will not cease until the government’s commitments to farmers are fulfilled. Stalin emphasised the need for a comprehensive loan waiver for farmers and a special relief package for Kuruvai crops, urging that Delta districts should be classified as drought-affected areas. His statements denote the party’s firm stance on safeguarding the rights of Tamil Nadu over the Cauvery water issue.

In a related development, Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Leader of Opposition in Tamil Nadu, led a substantial protest in Thanjavur, echoing the call for decisive measures to ensure the rights of Tamil Nadu farmers concerning Cauvery water. He condemned the state’s inaction and highlighted the arrests of farmers who had travelled to Delhi to voice their concerns about the Mekedatu project.

Udhayanidhi’s remarks revealed a sharp criticism of Chief Minister Vijay’s administration, suggesting that political allegiances are blocking essential action for the welfare of farmers. He underlined that the Chief Minister has not addressed the issue despite having been in office for three months, reflecting a dismissive attitude towards the farmers’ struggles.

The Cauvery water dispute, a longstanding inter-state conflict involving Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, has been revived against the backdrop of the contentious Mekedatu balancing reservoir project. The situation remains tense, with Tamil Nadu historically opposing the project due to concerns regarding its regulatory impact on downstream water flow and availability.

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