India opposition protests over farmer issues

In late July 2026, opposition leaders in Tamil Nadu heightened their criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. Udhayanidhi Stalin, speaking at the unveiling of a statue in Chennai, denounced the public’s focus on social‑media fame over grassroots activism and, together with farmer union chief Raghesh Thigayi, signaled a plan for a united front that would bring together farmers, students and youth against the government.

Later the same day, DMK leader M. K. Stalin accused the state government of betraying farmers over loan waivers, water‑sharing disputes and dam‑related crop damage. He announced a large protest in Thanjavur for 3 August, demanding protection of Cauvery water rights and a special relief package for delta farmers. The protest was slated to coincide with a high‑level meeting between Tamil Nadu’s chief minister and Karnataka’s water‑sharing minister, underscoring the opposition’s focus on regional water issues and broader agrarian grievances.