DMK Black Shirt Protest in Tamil Nadu Assembly Over Cauvery Dispute Ahead of Agriculture Budget

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly witnessed dramatic scenes on Thursday as DMK legislators, led by Udhayanidhi Stalin, entered the House wearing black shirts to protest the state's handling of the Cauvery water dispute and Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu reservoir project.

The demonstration took place just before the TVK government's first Agriculture Budget was presented, turning the Assembly session into a politically charged event.

Black Shirt Protest Targets Cauvery and Mekedatu Issues

The DMK legislators wore black as a symbolic protest against what the party described as the government's failure to safeguard Tamil Nadu's interests in the long-running Cauvery water-sharing dispute.

The party also renewed its opposition to Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir, arguing that the project could reduce downstream water flow essential for irrigation in Tamil Nadu.

First Agriculture Budget of Vijay Government Presented

The protest coincided with Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister R Vinoth presenting the first Agriculture Budget under Chief Minister Vijay's administration.

The Assembly session comes at a time when farmer organisations continue to demand:

• Adequate Cauvery water for irrigation
• Stronger support for the agriculture sector
• Farm loan waivers
• Greater protection of farmers' interests

Mekedatu Project Remains Major Flashpoint

The proposed Mekedatu project has remained a key point of contention between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for several years.

• Karnataka maintains that the balancing reservoir is intended to improve drinking water supply and water storage.
• Tamil Nadu argues that the project could reduce water flowing downstream, affecting irrigation and agriculture across the state.

The issue has regained momentum following recent protests by farmers demanding sufficient Cauvery water for cultivation.

DMK Criticises Government's Economic Vision

A day earlier, the Tamil Nadu government presented its 2026–27 State Budget, outlining its goal of transforming the state into a $1.5 trillion economy by 2031.

Former Chief Minister MK Stalin criticised the Budget, calling it a "reel government" Budget and alleging that it merely repackaged welfare schemes introduced during the previous DMK administration.

Udhayanidhi Calls Budget a 'Big Zero'

Speaking to reporters outside the Assembly, Udhayanidhi Stalin sharply criticised the government's financial roadmap.

He alleged that several announced schemes were simply renamed versions of initiatives launched under the DMK government.

"The marks for this Budget are a big zero," Udhayanidhi said, accusing the government of failing to fulfil its election promises while claiming credit for earlier welfare programmes.

Political Battle Intensifies Over Farmers' Issues

With the Agriculture Budget now presented, the political focus is expected to remain on:

• Cauvery water sharing
• Karnataka's Mekedatu project
• Farmer welfare measures
• Agricultural support policies
• State government's economic priorities

The black shirt protest signals that the Cauvery dispute and farmers' concerns are likely to dominate the Assembly proceedings in the coming days.