Vaiko leads hunger stir in Tenkasi

Tenkasi: MDMK general secretary Vaiko on Friday led a day’s hunger protest at Vasudevanallur in Tenkasi district, pressing for urgent action to repair the breach in Shenbagavalli check dam, implementation of Ullar anicut project, and measures to protect agriculture from damage caused by wild animals.

Addressing party cadres and farmers, Vaiko said crop loss due to wild boars had become widespread, and called for removing the animal from protected list. He said he would take up the issue with the Union govt. On Shenbagavalli check dam, he said it had earlier provided irrigation to around 25,000 acres and water from the structure was essential for implementing Ullar anicut project. The party would undertake a padayatra to mobilise public support on the issue, he told reporters later.

Once completed, Ullar anicut scheme would benefit nearly 30,000 acres, Vaiko said, adding he would urge Tamil Nadu chief minister to expedite the project. He said he had already taken up the issue of repairing the check dam breach with Kerala govt and would continue efforts to resolve it through talks.

Vaiko dismissed speculation about cabinet positions, saying the party was not driven by the pursuit of power. MDMK functionaries and party members participated in the hunger strike.