Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol. Thirumavalavan said the party would stage protests across the State, urging the government to withdraw the Land Acquisition Bill.
Addressing reporters here on Sunday, Mr. Thirumavalavan said the bill would only benefit corporates and private companies in the country.
“When many major parties in the country have opposed the bill, it is disheartening that the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) has supported it and acted against the common interests of the people,” he said.
The party would also demand that 200 days of employment should be provided to people under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
“Just because the programme was introduced during the regime of the Congress-led government, the present NDA government at the Centre is not interested in promoting it and helping people. While the programme was previously implemented in over 375 unions in the State, hardly 90 unions now have people employed under the MNREGS,” he said.
He also expressed disappointment over the recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sri Lanka and said nothing had been discussed for the benefit of the Tamils or with regard to fishermen’s issues and ‘Katchatheevu’.
“There are many acres of ‘Panchami’ land in Melur in the district which have been encroached upon. The lands have to be handed over to the Dalits. The district administration and revenue department should take steps in this regard,” Mr. Thirumavalavan added.
