Centre creating conflict over Cauvery: Pandian

Speaking to the media, Pandian said, around 12 lakh acre of land has been affected due to water scarcity in Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam. The centre should provide a compensation of Rs 25,000 per acre to the affected farmers. Cancellation of nearly 40 trains due to protests on October 17 and 18 shows that the ryots have succeeded in their protests. “Inspite of knowing the plight of farmers, the Centre has taken a stand against the state which is really agonising”, Pandian said. 

Stating that the farmers have sent a representation to the state government to convene an all-party meeting along with the farmers representatives, Pandian said that there is no sign on convening such a meet. Therefore, the farmers demand the leader of opposition, MK Stalin to convene the meeting and send a strong word to the Centre. 

Meanwhile, Pandian said that the farming community have decided to declare the winter season of the parliament to be a protest season in Tamil Nadu. “The farmers will lay siege to all central government offices and take them under their custody. Stressing this (protests), a campaigning tour is being organised, from November 5, from Kanyakumari. This will help farmers across the State to take part in the protest”, explained Pandian. 

He also cautioned that the Tamil Nadu BJP should join hands with the farmers protest otherwise, people will boycott the party in the State. “It is political pressure that makes the BJP-led union government to stand against the interest of Tamil Nadu. They (Centre) have planned to create a conflict between the Parliament and the Judiciary over the Cauvery issue so that they get gain politically”, said Pandian.