Tiruchy: The DMK working president, M.K. Stalin called upon the Tamil Nadu people to join in large numbers to express solidarity with the agitations organised by the DMK-led opposition parties to urge the Union government to set up the Cauvery Management Board (CMB) without any further delay.
Mr. Stalin made this appeal shortly before he set off on a 'Rescue Cauvery Padayatra' in the delta districts from Mukkombu near Tiruchy on Saturday. Striking a cautionary note, he said if the Centre did not form the CMB, the DMK and its allies would launch a statewide struggle to mobilise support over the issue.
Charging both the Centre and State governments for delaying the CMB formation, Mr Stalin said the DMK and other opposition parties were determined to continue their agitations until the CMB was constituted.
Flagging off the ‘Padayatra’, Dravidar Kazhagam general secretary K. Veeramani mentioned that this ‘yatra’ is not only for retrieving the Tamil Nadu's rights in the Cauvery water issue but also to retrieve the State's rights which “are now pledged with the Central government”.
Other leaders including IUML national president, Prof. K.M. Khadar Mohideen, CPI (M) state secretary K. Balakrishnan, CPI state secretary R.Mutharsan, Vidhuthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi president Thol.Thirumavalavan, state president of the ‘Desiya Then India Nathigal Inaippu Vivasayeegal Sangam’, P. Ayyakannu and Manitha Neya Makkal Katchi president Jawahirullah spoke.
The ‘padayatra’ today culminated with a public meeting at Thogur (Kallanai), after passing through Jeeyapuram, Kambarasampettai, Gandhi Market,
Sarkkarpalayam and Mullaikudi, where Mr. Stalin and others addressed the public gathering late on Saturday evening.
