Chennai, Aug 6 (IANS) DMK legislators, led by Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin, attended the Tamil Nadu Assembly in black shirts on Thursday as Agriculture Minister R. Vinoth presented the state’s Agriculture Budget for 2026-27.
The principal Opposition party said the black shirt protest was aimed at highlighting what it described as the TVK government’s failure to secure Tamil Nadu’s rightful share of Cauvery water and effectively oppose Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu dam project.
Udhayanidhi and other DMK MLAs entered the House dressed in black and remained in their seats as Vinoth began presenting the Agriculture Budget, the first such financial statement of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government headed by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.
The Cauvery dispute and the Mekedatu project have emerged as major political issues in Tamil Nadu, with the DMK stepping up pressure on the government over its handling of the state’s water rights.
The Opposition has accused the administration of failing to take sufficiently strong steps to ensure water releases from Karnataka and prevent the proposed reservoir project.
The proceedings witnessed brief exchanges soon after Vinoth began his Budget address. In his introductory remarks, the Agriculture Minister praised Chief Minister Vijay and the TVK government before making a reference to the whistle, the ruling party’s election symbol.
Describing the whistle in musical terms, Vinoth said it represented the first raga produced by air and spoke about the enduring impact of its sound. His remarks prompted objections from DMK members, who questioned the need for an extended political introduction during the presentation of the Agriculture Budget.
Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar intervened as the objections continued and asked the Minister to restrict his remarks to the Budget speech. Vinoth subsequently proceeded with the presentation of the government’s proposals for the agriculture sector.
The Agriculture Budget is being closely watched by farmers and political parties for announcements concerning crop loans, procurement prices, irrigation, agricultural infrastructure and measures to address climate-related challenges.
During the proceedings, Speaker Prabhakar also extended greetings to Dairy Development Minister Vijayalakshmi and Animal Husbandry Minister Kamali.
The DMK’s decision to wear black shirts ensured that the Cauvery and Mekedatu disputes remained prominently in focus even as the government sought to highlight its agricultural priorities through its first separate Agriculture Budget.
–IANS
aal/dpb
