Cauvery protests: CM, Dy CM join day-long fast organised by AIADMK
Palaniswami and Panneerselvam at the AIADMK-organised fast. DH photo.
Though the names of Palaniswami and Panneerselvam were missing in the list of leaders to participate in the fast released by the AIADMK, the duo made a joint appearance at the fast venue at around 8 am on Tuesday in Chepauk, hardly a kilometre from Fort St. George, the seat of power of the Tamil Nadu Government.
The duo was at the fast venue at the time of writing. Sources said they would fast till the evening and remain at the venue.
Top AIADMK leaders, including all ministers, participated in day-long fast being observed in all 31 districts across the state. The day-long fast, to be held at all district headquarters, is to exert pressure on the BJP-led government at the Centre to implement the Supreme Court order asking it to set up a scheme to ensure that the award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal is adhered to.
With the DMK criticising the fast, AIADMK leaders sought to turn the tables on Opposition parties saying their protests would never cause any inconvenience to the people. The DMK has been holding protests across the state causing traffic snarls in cities like Chennai.
"We gave enough pressure to the Centre. But due to political considerations, the Centre has failed in its duty to constitute Cauvery Management Board. We are protesting in a very democratic manner and we will not cause any trouble to the people," AIADMK deputy coordinator K P Munusamy said, in a subtle dig at the DMK.
The day-long fast is being seen as a desperate measure by the AIADMK, which is being increasingly isolated by other parties on the Cauvery issue. Opposition parties, especially the DMK, has accused the AIADMK of having sold the state's rights to the BJP due to its "subservient" attitude.
AIADMK MPs have been stalling Parliament since last month on the issue of constitution of Cauvery Management Board.