News Tamil Nadu

NTK Candidate Reveals How A Sugar Factory Became A Liquor Manufacturing Plant Under The DMK Depriving Farmer Families Of Livelihood

March 27, 2024
The Commune

Sugarcane farmers in Tamil Nadu, particularly in Thirumandangudi in Papanasam, have been embroiled in protests and demonstrations for several months due to unpaid dues and concerns over the conversion of “defunct” sugar mills into distilleries.

Speaking to a YouTube channel, Naam Tamilar Katchi’s Kaliammal revealed several facts which pointed to DMK MPs Kanimozhi and TR Baalu. Kaliammal revealed that a sit-in protest was initiated by sugarcane farmers on 30 November 2022 and it has crossed 480+ days in March 2024. The farmers accuse the state government of not fulfilling promises made regarding the recovery of dues from Thiru Arooran Sugars Limited, which fraudulently obtained loans in the name of farmers between 2016 and 2018.

The protesting farmers are advocating for the reopening of the nearby Thiru Arooran Sugars Ltd, a sugar factory that had ceased operations due to purported losses. The livelihoods of 10,000 to 15,000 families depended on the factory, with many having invested in it. Approximately ₹202 crores, owed to the farmers, remained inaccessible. However, the factory, valued at ₹1516 crores, was acquired for a mere ₹87 crores by Kanimozhi and TR Baalu of the DMK under the pretext of repaying the factory’s loans in installments.

Instead of reopening the sugar factory, NTK’s Kaliammal alleges that Kanimozhi and TR Baalu converted it into a liquor manufacturing plant. Although officially designated as a sugar factory on paper, access for inspection has been restricted. Despite numerous petitions, no action has been taken.

Despite assurances from the state agriculture department, including the provision of no objection certificates (NOC) from banks and appealing against the National Company Law Tribunal’s decision for full payment of dues, progress has been lacking. It is noteworthy that the locality has been designated as a Protected Agricultural Zone.

Concerns have been raised over the adverse impact of setting up a distillery in the agriculturally rich Cauvery delta area, potentially jeopardizing agricultural operations and the local economy.
The situation has garnered significant attention, with large-scale rallies and demonstrations organized in solidarity with the protesting farmers.

One must also remember how DMK’s Kanimozhi waxed eloquently about the impact of liquor and TASMAC on families and that it left many a young woman widowed in Tamil Nadu. She has often promised to close down TASMAC.

She also promised that the first signature that the DMK will put when it comes to power would be to eradicate liquor and TASMAC from the state.

However, she also does double speak stating that DMK never promised to close down TASMAC completely.

Overall, the plight of sugarcane farmers in Tamil Nadu reflects broader issues surrounding agricultural practices, debt burdens, and industrial conversions in rural areas. Despite assurances and protests, concrete action from government authorities remains elusive, leaving farmers in a state of uncertainty and financial distress. As the protests persist and calls for intervention grow louder, the fate of these farmers and the future of agricultural livelihoods in the region hang in the balance.

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