Palaniswami promises protection to traditional fishermen, holds meeting with weavers

Promising protection and a meaningful dialogue with Sri Lankan government through Union government, the interests of fishermen from Tamil Nadu would be accorded priority, AIADMK general secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami said here on Thursday.

Speaking at an interaction with leaders of fishermen and representatives of weavers, accompanied by former Minister and AIADMK MLA R.B. Udayakumar, Mr. Palaniswami said that the AIADMK, if elected to power in 2026 elections, would certainly take up the issue of fishermen with the Union government. “I give an assurance that there will be a big change in your lives and we will find a lasting solution,” he said.

The country boat fishermen submitted a memorandum to the former Chief Minister, who assured them to look into their grievances.

The AIADMK government had not only ordered waiver of crop loans during crisis due to natural calamities, but also helped farmers get ₹540 crore through claims from the insurance companies. The eligible farmers were given three-phase power connection with 24-hour quality electricity, he pointed out.

The AIADMK government had desilted tanks and channels under special scheme by earmarking funds. Such was the commitment to stakeholders, Mr. Palaniswami said and wanted the fishermen leaders to think of the situation now.

The AIADMK had proposed to establish Cauvery-Gundar water scheme at ₹14,400 crore and preparatory work was commenced then. However, the DMK had put it in cold storage. He promised that the AIADMK would revive the ambitious project and sought the support of farmers.

River linking scheme

A surplus of 1.24 lakh cusecs of water released from Mettur dam drained into the sea in the last few days. Had the Cauvery-Gundar scheme been implemented, this water could have reached parched regions such as Ramanathapuram district, he said.

The weavers’ cooperative societies were generating generating in a big way because of innovative schemes launched by them (AIADMK) while he urged the members to think of their present plight.

Later, Mr. Palaniswami visited the King Sethupathi palace, where he was received by Muthuramalinga Nagendra Sethupathi and his mother Lakshmi Nachiar. He was taken around the palace and shown the antiques. He paid tributes to the portrait of the late King.