The Tamil Nadu Assembly session began on 9 October 2023 with the DMK government passing a resolution urging the Central government to direct the Karnataka government to release Tamil Nadu’s fair share of Cauvery water as per the Supreme Court judgement.
During the discussion in the Assembly, Leader of Opposition and AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami raised concerns about the low water level in the Mettur dam and asked the Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan about what measures are being taken to ensure water supply in the surrounding region. He pointed out that as of now dams in the Cauvery catchment areas of Karnataka have 66 tmc of water and only 8 tmc of water is present in the Mettur dam. Palaniswami asked how is the DMK government deal with the situation when 20 districts need 4 tmc of water per month for drinking purposes while there is still a long time for the onset of the North-East Monsoon.
Responding to this question, the DMK Minister in-charge of Water Resources said “As of now 8 tmc of water is there and hence the Mettur dam will be closed. There is a barrage behind the Hon’ble Opposition Leader’s house where there is lots of water accumulated. So, it will stop but we will have to give drinking water. We will take all measures to ensure supply of drinking water. To add further, my zodiac sign is rain sign. So, surely the rains will come. Don’t worry.”
As the DMK Minister made this statement, DMK Speaker Appavu interjected in an attempt to save face saying “November-December is rainy season only right. November-December is rainy season. North-East monsoons.” to which DMK Minister sarcastically said “I am telling you my zodiac sign is rainy sign. You’re saying it is the skies. What a man sir you are! (laughs)”
It is note worthy to mention that the DMK considers itself as a “rationalist” party which doesn’t believe in astrology, zodiac sign, etc.
This comment of the DMK Minister has evoked a social media response with many questioning the DMK’s rationalist claims.
When farmers are fighting for survival without water and expecting the Govt to act, the Minister for Water Resources and Irrigation says that he is a lucky person and according to his luck we will get enough rain soon. Sad to see that people's livelihood has become a joke to the… pic.twitter.com/vRcyFBiKWz
— Vishwatma 🇮🇳 (@HLKodo) October 9, 2023
“மழை கட்டாயம் வந்திரும்” நாங்க அதுக்கும் திராவிட மாடல் ஸ்டிக்கர் ரெடியா வச்சிருக்கோம்…ஆக… மழை ராசி… திராவிட மாடல் ஆட்சி…😂😂
பிகு: அடகு வைத்த அண்டாவை மீட்டு வச்சிக்கங்க..மழை நீர் சேகரிக்க🤭🤭pic.twitter.com/E3ZBoBZUgj
— 🪷Kodhai🪷 (@podhigaimagal) October 9, 2023
என் ராசி மழை ராசி மழை நல்லா பெய்யும்.நீர்வள அமைச்சர் துரைமுருகன் 😜 pic.twitter.com/85ilqX9Qac
— Nisham Mishal (@DharamarajanM) October 9, 2023
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