Protest planned during PM visit

 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Chief Minister J Jayalalitha may have a brief meeting with Singh to present a memorandum on issues affecting the state, say sources.