<p> As the farmers agony in the five southern districts- Theni, Madurai, Dindigul, Ramanathapuram and Sivaganga- against Kerala’s reported move to decommission the Mullaperiyar dam is spreading to other districts, DMDK leader Vijayakant announced he would personally lead a black flag demonstration to protest against the Centre’s indifference over the dam issue, the KNPP stalemate and attacks on Tamil fishermen by Sri Lankan navy. The actor-turned-politician has assured the protest will be peaceful. <br /><br />Following DMDK, MDMK leader Vaiko on Friday announced a separate black flags waving to Singh at Karaikudi, to protest the Congress’ “betrayal” of Tamil Nadu’s interests.<br /><br />Despite MDMK’s pre-eminent role in organising protest over the dam issue, the announcement has rather unwittingly revealed the fierceness of competitive politics over the real livelihood struggle. <br /><br />The prime minister is scheduled to reach Chennai on Christmas Day to take part in the 125th birth anniversary year celebrations of mathematical genius Srinivasa Ramanujan on December 26.<br /><br />Singh will then fly to Karaikudi in Shivaganga, the constituency of Home Minister P Chidambaram for a couple of functions including one to commemorate Ramanujan at the Alagappa University. <br /><br />Chief Minister J Jayalalitha may have a brief meeting with Singh to present a memorandum on issues affecting the state, say sources.</p>
<p> As the farmers agony in the five southern districts- Theni, Madurai, Dindigul, Ramanathapuram and Sivaganga- against Kerala’s reported move to decommission the Mullaperiyar dam is spreading to other districts, DMDK leader Vijayakant announced he would personally lead a black flag demonstration to protest against the Centre’s indifference over the dam issue, the KNPP stalemate and attacks on Tamil fishermen by Sri Lankan navy. The actor-turned-politician has assured the protest will be peaceful. <br /><br />Following DMDK, MDMK leader Vaiko on Friday announced a separate black flags waving to Singh at Karaikudi, to protest the Congress’ “betrayal” of Tamil Nadu’s interests.<br /><br />Despite MDMK’s pre-eminent role in organising protest over the dam issue, the announcement has rather unwittingly revealed the fierceness of competitive politics over the real livelihood struggle. <br /><br />The prime minister is scheduled to reach Chennai on Christmas Day to take part in the 125th birth anniversary year celebrations of mathematical genius Srinivasa Ramanujan on December 26.<br /><br />Singh will then fly to Karaikudi in Shivaganga, the constituency of Home Minister P Chidambaram for a couple of functions including one to commemorate Ramanujan at the Alagappa University. <br /><br />Chief Minister J Jayalalitha may have a brief meeting with Singh to present a memorandum on issues affecting the state, say sources.</p>
