Kamal appoints vanilla farming pioneer Mahendran as vice president of Makkal Needhi Maiam

A physician by profession, Dr Mahendran is passionate about agriculture and is a successful pioneer in vanilla cultivation and processing in India. “With his in-depth knowledge and high level of passion for farming, he has brought in a lot of innovation into agriculture successfully. He has great concern for Tamil Nadu and its future. A strong desire for a better Tamil Nadu and his immense faith in MNM leadership has made him take this plunge into politics. His indefatigable spirit, focused approach and ethics shall be of great asset to MNM in its journey for a better Tamil Nadu,” stated Kamal on hisnew number two in his political career.

Kamal also requested all party workers, including the district in-charges, zonal coordinators, state executive committee members and the central governing body members of the Makkal Neethi Maiam, to provide their full support and work closely with Dr Mahendran.

Meanwhile, addressing the press later on in the day, before leaving on a second tour of Delta districts, Kamal said that the cyclone is a national disaster and must be treated as such. 

“The cyclone has devastated the Delta districts which are key districts for the nation. The cyclone must be declared a L3 natural disaster so those affected get necessary relief. I hope the report by the visiting central team will shed light on the extent of the damage caused and relief required for the people.”

On the construction of a dam at Mekedatu by Karnataka, he said that the farmers must be consulted before any decision is made. He also said that it is not just that the Tamil Nadu government must act on the closure of Sterlite but that the people can also mount challenges legally. 

He also thanked the Chief Minister of Kerala for the contribution of Rs 10 crore and relief materials to help victims ofCyclone Gaja.