IPL 2018: Political groups calls for ban on IPL matches in Chennai over Cauvery water row

Many Tamil celebrities have extended support to the call of ban on IPL in Chennai.

1st match at at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram stadium will be played on April 10 against the Kolkata Knight Riders

The first match of the 11th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is days away from starting in Mumbai. Two big rivals Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings will be clashing in an emotional encounter at the Wankhede Stadium.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is making their comeback into the IPL fold after serving the two year suspension. However, some political groups in Tamil Nadu are trying to hijack the game of cricket for their own interests and have demanded that no match should take place in Chennai for the Cauvery Management Board has not yet been set up.

A group of political parties, including Dravidar Viduthalai Kazhagam, Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVK), Viduthalai Thamizh Puligal Katchi, Thamizhar Vidiyal Katchi and Social Democratic Party of India, called for a press meet on Wednesday to make this demand.

TVK leader Panruti T Velmurugan said, “In order to condemn the Centre which shows no regard for the livelihood and the identity of the Tamils, we request that the IPL should not take place here – at a time when Tamilians are bursting with anger. If the BCCI conducts the IPL here, and the Tamil Nadu government and the Tamil Nadu police support it, then all those who eat the food produced by farmers will buy tickets and go inside the stadium and protest in a democratic way. Tamil Nadu government, BCCI and the IPL management should not push us to that level. If all our notifications on this matter are ignored, we are ready to come to the streets (to protest).”

Velmurugan further stated, “Adding insult to the injury, the Centre has sought clarification on setting up the CMB. It has cited elections in Karnataka and the law and order situation in the state, and has asked for a three-month extension. Completely disregarding the sacrifice of over 1,600 farmers, Tamilians are being treated as second-class citizens. The (Narendra) Modi government doesn't even consider Tamilians as Indians. It is propagating hatred towards us. That's the reason for not setting up the CMB. Previously, when the Supreme Court asked for responses within a week, the government has given it.”

He and his party have also threatened a massive protest against Karnataka and the Centre in front of NLC India Limited in Neyveli.

The first match at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram stadium is set to take place on April 10 against the Kolkata Knight Riders.  

(with the inputs of thenewsminute.com)

 
 

By Jatin Sharma - 05 Apr, 2018

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