Madurai (Tamil Nadu) [India], August 10 : The Deputy Opposition leader and former AIADMK Minister R B Udhayakumar hit out at Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, claiming that Madurai has "ranked first in corruption" in the state.
Speaking to the mediapersons, the former AIADMK minister said, "Madurai district has ranked first in Tamil Nadu for corruption. Because of corruption in the municipal corporation, a situation has arisen where zone leaders have to demand the Chief Minister's resignation...In 2026, the DMK will not be able to win."
The Deputy Opposition leader also criticised the DMK government for "failing" to address water management issues in Madurai district.
"Even though there is adequate water in the Vaigai Dam, water has not been released for the 58th canal project. During the AIADMK regime, water was released into the 58th canal three times, whereas in the DMK regime, it has been released twice," he said.
He further alleged that residents were now compelled to fight for their fundamental right to water under the DMK rule.
"During the AIADMK rule, schemes were introduced to prevent sewage from mixing into the Vaigai River. After the change in government, the DMK administration has scrapped those schemes. Due to the abandonment of the project, sewage is now mixing into the Vaigai River at 425 locations," he added.
Meanwhile, the 'Thenkal Kanmoi', a major irrigation tank situated in the Thirupparankundram area of Tamil Nadu's Madurai district, had completely dried up due to extreme heat, raising serious concerns among farmers and local residents who depend on it for irrigation and drinking water.
The drying up of the tank had significantly impacted both farming operations and daily life in the area. With no water available, agricultural activities have come to a halt, and residents are facing severe water shortages.
Local farmers and residents had appealed to the authorities to take immediate steps to desilt and deepen the tank. They emphasised the urgent need to improve water flow infrastructure to ensure a consistent and adequate water supply during future monsoon seasons. Without timely intervention, they fear the crisis could worsen in the coming years.