CHENNAI: DMK on Thursday announced a protest in Thanjavur on August 3, the day chief minister C Joseph Vijay is expected to visit Karnataka. Former CM MK Stalin issued a statement questioning the rationale behind the proposed talks amid the Mekedatu row.“The Karnataka visit will only dilute Tamil Nadu’s demand for a tribunal on the Mekedatu issue. When Karnataka has refused to release Cauvery water despite orders and insists Tamil Nadu’s consent is not needed for the dam, what is the purpose of these talks?” Stalin asked. The protest will be held at 10 am near Panagal Building in Thanjavur under the leadership of leader of opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin.Stalin questioned the lack of clarity over Vijay’s proposed Karnataka visit, saying ministers had issued conflicting statements before Karnataka chief minister D K Shivakumar confirmed that Vijay had expressed willingness for talks. The former CM also criticised the state govt for not convening an all-party meeting or consulting farmers organisations despite repeated demands.
