Farmers think big, to stage Maharashtra model rally to Chennai

TIRUCHY: Taking a cue out of the recent protest in Maharashtra, farmers in Tamil Nadu plan a protest march to Chennai to urge the State government to exert pressure on the Union government into forming the Cauvery Management Board (CMB). Chiefs of several farmers associations from across the State converged on Tiruchy on Monday and announced the formation of a Joint Action Council to co-ordinate the protests. 

D Gurusamy, a coordinator of the joint action council, said “The council is a new body to bring together all farmers associations to fight for Cauvery.  Importantly, it has no political affiliations. We appeal to all the farmers leaders to come under this council, so that our voice could reach New Delhi.”Talking to the reporters, K Chellamuthu, who presided over the meet, said, “Three major decisions were taken in the meeting. A hunger strike would be staged in Chennai on April 12.

In that protest, we will announce about the farmers-rally towards Chennai from all districts like the one that happened in Maharashtra. But farmers need not walk but can come by tractors and bullock carts. The date for the rally will be announced later. Thirdly, we appeal to the people of all the villages to hoist black flags in every house on the day of Prime Minister’s arrival.”He further said the council would support the bandh on April 3, bandh by DMK on April 5, hunger strike by TMC on April 6 and all other protests announced by the parties.