DMK, allies stage protests in Trichy over LPG shortage

Trichy: District units of the DMK and its alliance partners on Sunday staged protests in Trichy condemning the Union government over the LPG shortage, as part of a state-wide agitation announced by the party.Two separate demonstrations were held in the city, led by municipal administration minister K N Nehru and school education minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi. Addressing cadres near the Head Post Office, Nehru said the LPG supply falls under the purview of the Union government. "Former chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami claims the chief minister should immediately intervene and resolve the gas shortage. But LPG supply is under the exclusive control of the Union government. The state can only request and procure supplies," he said. "If the NDA alliance parties truly cared about the people, they would take the initiative to resolve the issue. Chief minister M K Stalin has already convened meetings and is working on alternative arrangements to ease the hardship caused by the shortage," he added. Protesters raised slogans against the NDA government over the issue. In Ponmalai, within his constituency, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi led another protest and criticised the Union government over pending dues to the state. "The Union government owes my department ₹3,458 crore, which has not been released. Just as they have kept us waiting, we must ensure the BJP is placed on the ‘waiting list' in the upcoming elections," he said. Later, speaking to reporters, the minister said the state had taken steps to ensure the breakfast scheme continued without disruption despite the LPG shortage. Similar protests were held in neighbouring districts, with natural resources minister S Regupathy leading the agitation in Pudukkottai and former minister V Senthil Balaji heading the protest in Karur. Leaders of DMK's alliance parties also participated in the demonstrations.