Udhayanidhi Slams TVK Government Over Farmer Relief and Welfare Promises in Pattukottai

Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin stated at Pattukottai on Sunday that farmers have been the worst affected during the last 105 days of TVK rule in Tamil Nadu.

Speaking at the venue, Mr Udhayanidhi said that the Mettur dam has not yet been opened this year, impacting Kuruvai cultivation. He stated that when he demanded relief for farmers, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay told the Assembly that the Kuruvai package had already been provided. Mr Udhayanidhi argued that while a package assists cultivation, separate relief is required to compensate for agricultural losses.

Criticising the ruling party legislators, Mr Udhayanidhi remarked that MLAs attend the Assembly to make reels rather than raise public issues, adding that the government's functioning caused people to question whether the House was an assembly or a circus. He also mentioned that during a previous visit to Thanjavur district, questioning the government on Cauvery water led to friction, remarking that officials appear irritated whenever Cauvery is discussed.

Mr Udhayanidhi accused the TVK administration of failing to deliver on major electoral promises, including the distribution of monthly financial assistance for women, subsidised cooking gas cylinders, and unemployment allowances.

Recalling his recent arrest during a demonstration supporting farmers' demands in Thanjavur, the DMK leader claimed that police abruptly altered the route to Sengipatti station and presented contradictory statements in court concerning his detention.

He further condemned the administration's decision to buy luxury cars for ruling party MLAs while citing a shortage of funds to waive farm loans, implement the promised Rs 2,500 monthly assistance for women, supply free gas cylinders, or provide allowances to the unemployed. He noted that DMK legislators had refused to accept the government-procured vehicles. Additionally, he asserted that the previous DMK-led Dravidian Model administration had attained a primary growth rate of 11.19 per cent, accusing the current leadership of reversing the state's progress.