Stir reaches minister’s office after ‘no farmer death’ talk

The high-level committee comprising Tourism Minister Vellamandi N Natarajan, Backward Class and Minorities Welfare Minister S Valarmathi, and Additional Chief Secretary (Highways and Minor Ports Department) Rajeev Ranjan paid a visit to the drought hit fields on January 6, 2017. During the visit, the tourism minister Natarajan claimed that the State government has not received any inputs on farmer’s death due to drought as far as Tiruchy district is concerned. 

As the remark triggered backlash from farming associations, farming community raised voice against the minister. On Monday, farmers belonging to Tamilaga Vivasayigal Sangam led by M P Chinnadurai laid siege to the MLA office. Even as the supporters of Vellamandi N Natarajan attempted to pacify the protesters by denying any such anti-farmer remarks from Tiruchy East MLA, farmers did not concede. 

“Farmers due to drought and crop failure have lost their lives in Lalgudi and Manapparai taluks. Without acknowledging the gravity of the drought that has even started to affect potable water needs in villages, the remarks of the tourism minister has come as rubbing salt in the wounds of farmers.” MP Chinnadurai told reporters. The Gandhi Market police rushed to the spot and forcibly detained around 15 farmers including a woman of Tamilaga Vivasayigal Sangam for their sit-in protest.