Cauvery row: Most political parties to join Tamil Nadu bandh

CHENNAI: The Friday bandh called for by farmers' associations and trade unions in Tamil Nadu has received differing voices of support from political parties. While the bandh was originally called to condemn the attack of Tamils in Karnataka and to press for a permanent solution to the Cauvery dispute, the main opposition party in the state DMK, national parties, including Congess and BJP and Left parties have all expressed support adding their own reasons. This leaves political experts wondering if the bandh will end up becoming a 'pointless' exercise.

After traders' organisations and farmers' unions announced the bandh, some parties responded instantly while some others took some time to finalise their stand. Educational institutions, Tamil Nadu Petroleum Dealers' Association and other unions responded by saying they won't operate on Friday indicating that normal life is likely to be affected. However, AIADMK has maintained silence.

"There is a clear ruling by the SC which states that the state cannot support any form of protest which will affect the functioning of the state or affect its people, so AIADMK cannot say anything for or against this bandh," a senior AIAMDK representative who did not want to be identified told ET.

DMK said they are participating in bandh not only for expressing solidarity with TN farmers but to prove a point to AIADMK.

"On several occasions our leader M K Stalin has asked for the convening of an all-party meeting to discuss the Cauvery water dispute but there has been no response. And since we do not have any other forum to express our concerns in this issue, we will use this opportunity to make our point," said DMK spokesman and MLA P Thiaga Rajan.

The Left parties expressed support but indicated that their agenda is to demand central government's action on the issue.

"Successive governments at the Centre don't settle river water disputes. Even after Supreme Court has given a judgement they do not form a committee, which Supreme Court asked to form," CPM leader T K Rangarajan said.