The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged a protest in front of Gandhiji Kalaiarangam in Sivagiri on September 19, demanding a regular drinking water supply for residents and condemning the Sivagiri Town Panchayat administration for failing to resolve the long-standing water crisis.
Despite heavy rain, a large number of women and members of the public participated in the protest, holding umbrellas and carrying empty water pots to highlight the difficulties faced by residents. The protest was led by Tenkasi District BJP President Ananthan Ayyasamy, while Vasudevanallur Union President Ganesan presided over the demonstration.
Addressing the gathering, Ayyasamy alleged that the drinking water problem in Sivagiri was not caused by a shortage of funds but by administrative lapses and irregularities. He pointed out that ₹1.89 crore had been allocated in the 2023–24 Town Panchayat budget for the construction of a well. However, he alleged that even after two-and-a-half years, the project remained incomplete.
He said the drinking water shortage was not confined to Sivagiri but continued in several parts of the constituency, including Vasudevanallur Town Panchayat. He also questioned the failure to complete the well project during the previous five-year tenure of the then DMK MLA and district secretary.
Ayyasamy criticised the explanation given by the current DMK MLA that there was no separate minister for the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department as the portfolio was under the Chief Minister. He said elected representatives should accept responsibility and work towards finding a permanent solution rather than defending the Town Panchayat administration.
The BJP leader demanded immediate steps by the Town Panchayat administration to ensure a regular drinking water supply. He warned that if the issue was not resolved, the BJP would coordinate with other political parties, mobilise the public and intensify its protests.
Several BJP leaders and functionaries participated in the demonstration, including State General Council Member Ramaraj, District Vice-President Shanmugavel, District Farmers’ Wing Vice-President Thangam, State Youth Wing Executive Committee Member Shankar and other district and union-level office-bearers.
Ayyasamy thanked the women, public and party cadres who participated despite the heavy rain and said the protest would continue until Sivagiri residents received a regular drinking water supply.