Drought-hit Tamil Nadu farmers may now gherao the parliament

After 'eating' rats and whipping themselves, the drought-hit Tamil Nadu farmers are planning to go a step further to get their demands heard.  According to the leader of the farmers, Ayyakannu, farmer representatives from Tamil Nadu will travel to New Delhi on May 21 where they will discuss the future course of action. 

The farmers have been demanding Rs 40,000-crore drought relief-package, apart from farm waivers and setting up of the Cauvery Management Board by the Union government. Ayyakannu said, "We will decide our future course of action on May 21 in New Delhi. We will discuss with farmers from across the country on what should be next - whether to gherao parliament or picket outside Prime Minister’s office and residence. We will plan bigger protests if our demands are not met." 

The farmers had withdrawn their 41-day protest after chief minister Edappadi K Palanisami met them and promised to meet their demands. He also told them that their issues will be taken to the Prime Minister's office. However, while they were withdrawing the protest, they said that they would not hesitate to come back to Delhi and start another protest if their demands were brushed under the carpet. 

The farmer leader also rued about the farmers' treatment in India and questioned whether India is really democratic since it cannot respect it farmers. He further says, "I have a doubt whether India is a democratic country because we are being branded as anti-nationals and terrorists. We are fighting for our rights and if the government does not heed to our demands, we have to agitate. Agitation cannot be termed anti-national."

• tamil nadu
• farmer