Fisheries Minister D. Jayakumar on Tuesday alleged that DMK president M.K. Stalin and AMMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran were behind the people’s protests in cyclone hit areas.

Speaking to reporters at a cyclone relief centre at South Poigainallur near here, Mr. Jayakumar claimed that the Opposition leaders, who could not stomach the goodwill earned by the AIADMK government in relief and rescue works, had been instigating the people to stage protests.

He said the relief and rescue operations were on full swing. “All out efforts are being taken to restore normalcy in affected areas as quickly as possible. The State government will ensure that relief reached every person in affected areas,” Mr. Jayakumar said.

Handlooms Minister O. S. Manian said that compensation has not been announced for the loss of mango and tamarind trees. It had been taken to the notice of Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami, who had agreed to announce compensation for damaged mango and tamarind trees too.

Earlier, nine Ministers including Rural Development Minister S.P. Velumani and Electricity Minister P.Thangamani distributed compensation of ₹10 lakh each to families of some of those killed due to the cyclone in the district.