DMK Holds Massive Thanjavur Protest Over Farm Loan Waiver, Mekedatu Dam; Minister Nirmal Kumar Alleges DMK-Karnataka Collusion

DMK president M.K. Stalin's call for a massive protest in Thanjavur culminated on August 3, with Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin leading the demonstration over what the party called the TVK government's failures on farmers' issues.

The protest cited a "betrayal" over farm loan waivers, a "lackadaisical approach" to the Mekedatu dam issue, and delays in opening the Mettur Dam that the party said had affected Kuruvai cultivation in the Cauvery delta.

Udhayanidhi demanded firm action to defend Tamil Nadu's rights over Cauvery water, a complete waiver of agricultural loans and a special relief package for Delta farmers, warning that continued inaction by the "indifferent" TVK government would trigger even larger protests.

Ahead of the protest, Tamil Nadu Minister Nirmal Kumar accused the DMK of having a covert understanding with Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, alleging the opposition party did not want Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to get political credit for resolving the Cauvery dispute.

"Whatever DMK is thinking, D.K. Shivakumar is talking about it and taking necessary steps," Nirmal Kumar said, addressing reporters in Chennai.