The Tamil Nadu Police on Monday detained around 200 workers of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in Chennai who were protesting against the Centre’s delay in constituting the Cauvery Management Board, News18 reported. The DMK cadres had blocked roads in Saidapet area. The police also took two DMK workers into custody for reportedly attempting to immolate themselves.
The protests come on a day when the Supreme Court agreed to hear the contempt petition that the Tamil Nadu government filed on March 31 against the Centre for failing to meet the court’s deadline to set up the Cauvery Management Board. The top court will hear the petition on April 9.
In its contempt petition, the Tamil Nadu government sought action against Cabinet Secretary PK Sinha and Water Resources Secretary UP Singh for “wilfully disobeying” the court’s order.
Meanwhile, chaos also erupted in Parliament over the matter, with the Rajya Sabha getting adjourned for the day after legislators of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam protested in the Well of the House. The Lok Sabha was adjourned till noon. Several AIADMK MPs staged a demonstration outside Parliament holding placards.
On February 16, the Supreme Court had ordered the Centre to set up the board within six weeks to ensure that its ruling on the allocation of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka is implemented. The deadline expired on Thursday.
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