Tamil Nadu is set to witness a state-wide bandh on April 5, called by the Opposition parties in the state, against the non-formation of the Cauvery Management Board by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre.

As per the February 16 verdict of the Supreme Court, the Centre was directed to set up a scheme to act as a regulatory body between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. However, the Centre did not set up any such body within the mandated six-week deadline. A day after the deadline expired, the Centre sought a clarification from the Supreme Court on the interpretation of its judgement. It also sought a three-month extension in view of the elections in Karnataka.

The ruling AIADMK held a hunger strike, led by Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, on Tuesday.

The bandh on Thursday is set to somewhat affect the daily life of citizens.

While Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation buses will ply through the day, private buses will not be operating. However, the Tamil Nadu Omni Bus Owners Association says that the daytime buses form only 15% of the fleet.

We await comment from Uber and Ola.

Speaking to TNM, Vellaiyan of the Tamil Nadu Traders Association said, “Yes, we will shut shops throughout Tamil Nadu. We are standing with the farmers. We wanted to protest in front of (Narendra) Modi, but he is not coming to Chennai, so we will join with parties.”

The decision to call for a bandh came after an Opposition parties meet chaired by Leader of the Opposition and DMK Working President MK Stalin.

A unanimous resolution adopted at the meeting declared, “In order to condemn the (Centre's) failure to constitute the Cauvery Management Board, seeking three-months time and pressing for the demand for setting up the Board, it is decided to observe a one-day statewide bandh on April 5.”