Price Hike & Water Woes: EPS Slams TN Government's 'Lack of Planning'
AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami criticizes the TN government for rising essential commodity prices and poor Cauvery water management.
AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has launched a scathing attack on the Tamil Nadu government, accusing it of gross negligence in managing the cost of living and the state's critical water resources. Speaking to reporters at the Tiruchirappalli International Airport during a transit from Salem to Chennai, the AIADMK leader highlighted a growing crisis that he claims is hitting the poorest citizens and the farming community the hardest.
Essential Commodities See 40% Price Jump
One of the primary concerns raised by Palaniswami is the skyrocketing cost of basic necessities. He alleged that the prices of essential grocery items—specifically rice, sugar, pulses, and tamarind—have surged by approximately 40 per cent across Tamil Nadu.
The AIADMK leader condemned the state government's perceived inaction, stating that no effective measures have been implemented to curb this inflation. He further criticized the relevant minister for failing to provide a satisfactory response to the plight of the economically weaker sections of society, who are bearing the brunt of these price hikes.
Cauvery Water Crisis: Farmers in the Crosshairs
Beyond the markets, Palaniswami turned his attention to the agricultural crisis in the delta districts, focusing on the management of Cauvery water for Samba cultivation. He pointed out a significant flaw in the government's timeline for water release from the Mettur Dam.
According to Palaniswami, the government announced water release for a period of 45 days, which concluded this past Thursday. He argued that this window was far too short, asserting that water should have been released until January to ensure farmers could complete the Samba cultivation process.
Impact on Tail-End Areas
The AIADMK leader highlighted that the premature stoppage of water has led to several issues:
- Failed Transplantation: Farmers have been unable to carry out transplantation properly.
- Neglected Regions: Tail-end areas, where water often struggles to reach, have been left completely stranded.
- Compounded Losses: Following the losses already suffered during the Kuruvai crop, the Samba cultivation is now under severe threat.
Drinking Water Security at Risk
The alarm bells didn't stop at agriculture. Palaniswami expressed deep concern over the current water level in the Mettur Dam, which stands at only 58 feet. With 20 districts in Tamil Nadu relying on the Cauvery for their drinking water, he questioned whether the current storage would last through May and June of next year.
He alleged that a fundamental lack of planning in the release of water has not only jeopardized farming but has also put future drinking water security in peril.
Criticism of Chief Minister Vijay's Diplomacy
Palaniswami specifically targeted Chief Minister Vijay's handling of interstate relations. He argued that the Chief Minister should have been more aggressive in approaching the Karnataka government to secure Tamil Nadu's rightful share of Cauvery water, as mandated by the Supreme Court and the Cauvery Water Management Authority.
In a sharp critique of the Chief Minister's leadership, the AIADMK leader claimed that Vijay failed to raise even a single demand regarding the Cauvery issue during the Prime Minister's recent visit to Tamil Nadu.
Warning that the state could face serious problems due to this unplanned governance, Palaniswami concluded by announcing that the AIADMK general council meeting would be convened shortly to discuss these pressing issues.