THANJAVUR: M K Stalin, the DMK leader said the black flag against the Prime Minister Modi visiting Tamil Nadu on April 12 would be held to show the discontent of the Tamil People against the Union Government which failed to constitute the Cauvery Management Board (CMB) with in six week deadline fixed by the Supreme Court.
Speaking at Sillathur village in Thanjavur district on Sunday during the Cauvery Rights Retrival march organised by nine opposition parties including DMK Stalin said besides the black flag protest, the opposition parties have also decided to call the people of the state to hoist black flags in their houses and wear black dress on April 12 when the Prime Minister Modi visits the state.
He said once the Prime Minister visit schedule is confirmed, the opposition parties would issue an official statement in this regard he added. He asked the people assembled at the meeting whether they would hoist black flags in their house, they raised their hands to signify their assent.
Earlier the DMK leader had pointed out as the prison would not have enough space for lakhs of people arrested on the day of bandh on April 5, they were released on the same day. He also said the Government has booked cases against the protesters including the leaders of opposition parties on various sections.
"We could not be cowed down by these case", he said adding the leaders and cadre are ready to face incarceration, whether it was six months or one year or even for life for the cause of the Cauvery. He said not only the nine opposition parties but also people from various walks of life including traders, students, lawyers, bank employees are protesting for the cause of Cauvery.
Stalin pointed out the river Cauvery is under threat. He said even after a clear, forthright final judgement by the Supreme Court to constitute the Cauvery Management Board (CMB), the Union Government has been dithering and did not initiate even preliminary step to create the board. Hence the opposition parties are conducting the struggles, he added. He commented the participation of hundreds of women in the meeting at Sillathur confirms that the people are ready to throw out the (state) Government.
Earlier speaking at the meeting S Tirunavukkarasar, the President of Tamil Nadu Congress said the regime changes in the state and centre would solve all the problems faced by the people of Tamil Nadu. R Mutharasan of CPI said the Union Government led by Modi considers Tamils as gullible and the state Government goes along with it.
"The state Government run by the Edappadi K Palaniswamy did not have the support of the people or the elected MLAs", Mutharasan said. He further added the state Government has been propped up only the support of the Union Government.
Earlier DMK working President commenced his second day of the Cauvery Rights Retrieval march from Soorakkottai in Thanjavur-Pattukkottai road. He passed through various villages including Kasavalanadu, Kovilur, Vadakkur.