Massive protests engulf TN against Modi's visit

Cheni, April 12: Massive protests greeted Prime Minister rendra Modi as he paid a whirlwind visit to Cheni with helicopter as the chosen mode of transport amid a state-wide agitation demanding a Cauvery Magement Board (CMB). Black flags and balloons and activists in black shirts and trousers with “Go Back Modi” placards marked the day while protests were also held throughout Tamil du against the Prime Minister’s brief visit to the state against the Centre’s failure to set up the CMB despite a Supreme Court order. Black flags were hoisted on homes and business establishments across the state. A political activist said it appeared to be the biggest anti-Modi protest in any state since he became the Prime Minister in May 2014. In a bid to avoid protesters, Modi, who arrived here by a special aircraft in the morning, flew by helicopter to reach Tiruvidanthai in neighbouring Kanchipuram district where he opened the 10th DefExpo organised by the Defence Ministry. From there he took another chopper to come to IIT Madras, in the heart of the city. From there, he took a one-kilometre ride by car to the neighbouring Adyar Cancer Institute for an event.

The Prime Minister walked a few steps from the helicopter to the car that ferried him to the Cancer Institute. As he did so, he encountered some 30 students from IIT Madras who stood silently but held posters demanding a Cauvery Magement Board — an issue which has whipped up emotions in Tamil du. Modi then left by helicopter to the airport before returning to Delhi.

#Go back Modi trended on top as netizens took to the cyberspace to register their protest against the Central government’s failure to set up the CMB as directed by the Supreme Court to ensure proper sharing of Cauvery waters between Tamil du and Kartaka and other states. DMK leader M.K. Stalin, on a padayatra of the Cauvery delta areas, wore black shirt and trousers as he protested along with state Congress President Thiruvukkarasar and CPI-M state unit chief Mutharasan. (IANS)