Saying it is a livelihood issue, farmers organisations and political parties have geared up for a bandh in the Cauvery delta districts on Friday protesting against the Karnataka Government’s refusal to release the Cauvery water and the Centre’s “indifferent attitude.”
The Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangams, affiliated to the CPI and the CPI (M), have given the bandh call, which has the backing of nearly 25 organisations.
They include the Thamizhaga Vivasayigal Sangam, Vivasayigal Mandram, Cauvery Delta Farmers Welfare Association and Cauvery Urimai Meetpu Kuzhu. The CPI, CPI (M) and MDMK have announced their participation in the agitation. Traders’ organisations, Tiruvarur district drug traders’ association, private hospitals’ associations have also expressed support.
Initially, it was decided to hold demonstrations before Central Government offices in taluk headquarters. Later, the decision to organise the bandh was made. Street-corner meetings were held at various places to mobilise support.
P.R. Pandiyan, Tiruvarur district vice-president of the Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam, appealed to all sections of society to join the bandh.
