NE NEWS SERVICE
THANJAVUR, AUG 23
What happens when a farmer waits for water while politics turns its attention to promises, perks and publicity? That question formed the backdrop to a sharp political attack by Tamil Nadu Assembly Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin, who on Sunday accused the ruling TVK government of failing Cauvery delta farmers and allowing a water crisis to deepen.
- Opposition leader accuses government of leaving Cauvery delta farmers high and dry amid delayed Mettur release
- Says Kuruvai cultivation has been crippled and demands targeted drought compensation for affected farmers
- Slams alleged failure to deliver electoral promises, questions spending on government vehicles for MLAs
- Calls administration a ‘circus company’ and predicts voters will deliver a fitting verdict
Speaking at a wedding ceremony in Thanjavur district, Udhayanidhi alleged that the delayed/non-release of Mettur water had severely affected Kuruvai cultivation and charged the government with administrative failure. His remarks come amid continuing concern over water availability in the Delta, even as Mettur’s water level has risen with improved Cauvery inflows in recent weeks. Official agricultural data showed the reservoir at 84.95 feet with an inflow of 10,579 cusecs and an outflow of 2,003 cusecs on August 21.
The Opposition leader also targeted the government over its handling of drought relief, electoral commitments and the recent controversy over government vehicles for MLAs.
‘Delta farmers cannot wait for political promises’
Udhayanidhi alleged that water from Mettur had not been released during June, July and August, leaving farmers across the Cauvery Delta struggling to sustain Kuruvai cultivation. The customary June 12 opening of Mettur did not take place this year because of inadequate storage and poor inflows, a development that had already triggered concern among Delta farmers and political parties.
Farmers in parts of Thanjavur had subsequently faced depleted groundwater, salinity and reduced irrigation support, with reports indicating that groundwater-dependent Kuruvai cultivation had come under considerable stress.
Udhayanidhi alleged that the government was failing to distinguish between general relief measures and specific drought compensation for farmers who had suffered crop losses.
The government, however, had earlier announced a ₹134-crore special Kuruvai season relief package, citing the delayed southwest monsoon and the inability to open Mettur on June 12.
‘Where are the promised benefits?’
Turning his attack towards the government’s electoral commitments, Udhayanidhi alleged that key promises, including ₹2,500 monthly assistance for women, subsidised cooking gas cylinders and unemployment allowances, had not been fulfilled.
He questioned the government’s financial priorities, particularly the decision to provide official vehicles to ruling-party MLAs while, according to him, farmers were seeking loan waivers and relief.
The issue has already become a political flashpoint, with Udhayanidhi stating that 59 DMK MLAs would reject the government-provided official cars, citing the state’s financial position.
Udhayanidhi reiterated that DMK legislators had refused to accept the government-funded vehicles.
‘Circus company’, not government
The DMK leader also revived the controversy surrounding his recent arrest during a protest over farmers’ issues in Thanjavur.
He alleged that the police had “abruptly altered the route to Sengipatti station” and made contradictory submissions before the court regarding his detention.
Taking a broader swipe at the administration, Udhayanidhi described it as a “circus company”, alleging that ministers were resorting to diversionary tactics and social-media clips instead of answering Opposition questions on issues such as electricity tariff hikes and public grievances.
His remarks came amid continuing political mobilisation over Cauvery water and Delta farmers’ concerns. The DMK had earlier demanded measures to safeguard Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery rights and a special relief package for farmers affected by drought-like conditions.
Growth rate becomes another political battleground
Udhayanidhi also contrasted the present administration’s performance with the previous DMK government’s record, claiming that the earlier ‘Dravidian Model’ government had helped Tamil Nadu achieve a primary growth rate of 11.19 per cent.
He alleged that the present regime had taken the State backwards on development and said Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay was not sufficiently concerned about the issues confronting Tamil Nadu.
“The people have started realising it,” he said, according to reports of his speech at Pattukkottai.
Udhayanidhi expressed confidence that the electorate would soon teach the government a “fitting lesson”.
The remarks add another layer to the intensifying political contest over Cauvery water, Mettur Dam releases, Kuruvai cultivation, farmer relief and government expenditure, with the Delta’s water crisis increasingly becoming a test of the ruling government’s political credibility.
