AIADMK stages demonstration over crop loan waiver

Slamming the State government for failing to waive crop loans as promised during the election campaign, the AIADMK staged a demonstration here on Friday (August 14).

Led by Bhavani MLA K.C. Karuppannan, the cadre raised slogans alleging that the TVK had come to power by making false promises. They criticised the government for failing to fully waive crop loans, which they said was essential in the wake of the failure of the monsoon.

Later, addressing the media, Mr. Karuppannan criticised the State government, alleging that it had failed to address the concerns of the people and protect their interests. He alleged that electricity tariffs had been increased within six months during the DMK regime and within 90 days under the present TVK-led government.

Mr. Karuppannan also criticised the State government’s approach towards the Union government. He alleged that the TVK-led government was opposing the Centre more strongly than the DMK had done during its previous tenure. Such a stand could result in the State losing several lakh crore rupees and increase its debt burden to ₹15 lakh crore, he claimed.

On the Cauvery water issue, Mr. Karuppannan alleged that Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay had not spoken about the Mekedatu project. He said the State government should take steps to safeguard Tamil Nadu’s interests in the Cauvery dispute and approach the courts, if necessary.

“If Tamil Nadu does not get water for at least one more crop, agriculture in the State could become impossible,” he said.