High drama at Chennai stadium ahead of CSK-KKR IPL match
What's the story
There was high drama at Chennai's MA Chidambaram stadium today hours before a CSK-KKR IPL match, as protesters tried to stage a demonstration right outside. Several members of the Tamilzhar Vazhvu Urmayi Katchi were arrested. 4,000 policemen have now been deployed. Different quarters have been demanding cancellation of the seven IPL matches scheduled in Chennai over the Center's inaction in the Cauvery issue.
Dispute
The decades-old river water sharing dispute at a glance
Since over 120 years, TN, Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry have clashed over sharing of the 765-km long Cauvery water. In 2007, the SC awarded TN 419tmcft of water. Karnataka got 270 tmcft, Kerala 30 tmcft and Puducherry 7tmcft. But everyone challenged the decision. In February, the SC ordered Karnataka to release 177.25tmcft of water to TN instead of 192tmcft, thus decreasing allocation for TN.
Center
Why is the Center delaying formation of the board?
The Center didn't act, but submitted in an affidavit that forming the board ahead of Karnataka elections would lead to "massive public outrage and vitiate elections." It added that the states involved have expressed contradicting views about the water-sharing scheme, so it wanted to discuss the matter with them. But the SC pulled it up and gave it till May 3 to implement orders.
Protests
Cancellation or postponement of Chennai's IPL matches key demand
Meanwhile, TN saw intense protests in the last few days over the issue. Top politicians including DMK leader Stalin courted arrest along with hundreds of party workers. A key demand was postponement/cancellation of the matches scheduled in Chennai. Film stars and directors formed the 'Tamil Panpaattu Peravai' group to fight for this demand. Opposition parties including DMK and VCK joined in.
Security
Long list of restricted items imposed on attendees
The ruling AIADMK also wants the matches to be shifted, but Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar said it is the government's responsibility to provide protection. Organizers and police have now upped security. Attendees will be allowed to take only mobile phones inside the grounds. Black shirts, posters, bags, pagers, electronic devices, radios, laptops, musical instruments, cameras, and even binoculars have been prohibited.