Udhayanidhi Stalin attacks TVK government over farmers

DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin criticised the Tamil Nadu government over the non-release of Mettur dam water, alleging drought-like conditions in the Cauvery delta. He also accused the administration of failing to fulfil electoral promises and provide adequate relief

Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu): Leader of Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly Udhayanidhi Stalin on Sunday lashed out at the ruling TVK government, alleging administrative failure and neglect of Cauvery delta farmers facing drought-like conditions due to the non-release of Mettur dam water.

Speaking at a wedding ceremony, Udhayanidhi alleged that the present administration had failed to honour key electoral promises such as monthly financial assistance for women, subsidised cooking gas cylinders and unemployment allowances.

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Referring to his recent arrest during a protest in support of farmers’ demands in Thanjavur, he alleged that the police had “abruptly altered the route to Sengipatti station” and made contradictory submissions in court regarding his detention.

Alleging that Mettur dam water had not been released during June, July and August, crippling Kuruvai (short-term crops) cultivation across the Delta region, Udhayanidhi criticised the state government for failing to provide drought relief and for confusing basic relief measures with targeted drought compensation.

The DMK leader also condemned the state government’s decision to procure luxury cars for ruling party MLAs, while claiming a lack of funds to waive farm loans, provide the promised Rs 2,500 monthly assistance for women, distribute free cooking gas cylinders or implement unemployment allowances.

He reiterated that DMK legislators had flatly refused to accept the government-funded vehicles.

Udhayanidhi described the State administration as a “circus company” rather than a government, alleging that ministers relied on diversionary tactics and social media clips instead of responding to the Opposition’s questions on electricity tariff hikes and public grievances.

He claimed that the previous DMK-led ‘Dravidian Model’ government had helped Tamil Nadu achieve a primary growth rate of 11.19 per cent, while alleging that the present administration had pushed the state’s progress backwards.

He expressed confidence that the electorate would soon teach a fitting lesson to the present regime.