DMK leader and Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin on Monday led a protest in Thanjavur, accusing the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led state government of failing to protect Tamil Nadu's interests in the Cauvery water dispute. The demonstration focused on the ongoing water shortage in the Cauvery delta and called for immediate measures to support farmers affected by the crisis.

The protest centred on three key demands raised by the DMK: preventing Karnataka from proceeding with the proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir project, announcing a complete waiver of agricultural loans and declaring the Cauvery delta districts drought-affected. Party leaders said these measures were necessary to address the worsening impact of water scarcity on agriculture in the region.

Addressing party workers and farmers, Udhayanidhi said the low water level in the Cauvery River had become a matter of serious concern. Referring to the recent Aadi Perukku festival, traditionally associated with the river's abundance, he said the unusually dry riverbed reflected the severity of the water crisis. He alleged that inadequate efforts by the state government had left farmers facing uncertainty over the current agricultural season.

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The DMK leader claimed that many farmers had already lost the kuruvai crop due to insufficient water availability and warned that the upcoming samba and thaladi cultivation could also be affected if adequate Cauvery water was not secured. He accused the state government of failing to take effective steps to protect Tamil Nadu's share of Cauvery water and provide timely relief to the farming community.

Udhayanidhi also criticised members of the state Cabinet, alleging that Water Resources Minister N. Anand had avoided addressing the media during the crisis. He further targeted Agriculture Minister R. Vinoth, claiming that the minister had prioritised other activities instead of addressing the concerns of farmers. The DMK leader also criticised the functioning of the state government over its handling of the water dispute.

Deputy Leader of the Opposition K.N. Nehru, senior DMK leaders, alliance party representatives and a large number of party workers participated in the demonstration. The protest concluded with renewed demands for stronger government action to secure Cauvery water, protect farmers in the delta region and address the ongoing agricultural challenges caused by the water shortage.

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