Leader of the Opposition and DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin led a demonstration in Thanjavur on Monday (August 3, 2026) against the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam-led State government’s handling of the Cauvery issue. The DMK had called for the demonstration, demanding measures to stop Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir project, the complete waiver of farmers’ loans, and the declaration of the delta districts as drought-affected.

Mr. Udhayanidhi expressed his anguish over the “pathetic situation of the Cauvery river,” which was almost dry during the ‘Aadi Perukku’ festival. The farmers had lost the ‘kuruvai’ crop and were uncertain about ‘samba’ and ‘thaladi’ cultivation.

He alleged that such a situation arose due to what he called an “incompetent and incapable” government led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.

The DMK leader also criticised some of Mr. Vijay’s Cabinet colleagues. He said that Tamil Nadu Water Resources Minister N. Anand “takes to his heels on seeing the media” and alleged that Agriculture Minister Vinoth had taken the Agriculture Budget papers to Tirupati to offer prayers to the Lord.

Further, Mr. Udhayanidhi claimed that persons who were “selling lottery tickets, distributing pirated CDs, and moving around with wooden logs” had been made Ministers. “The entire Cabinet is full of clowns,” he commented.

Deputy Leader of the Opposition K. N. Nehru, DMK party leaders, and leaders of parties in alliance with the DMK participated in the demonstration.

Published - August 03, 2026 02:41 pm IST