In a strikingly unconventional show of political symbolism, the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) held a unique gathering in Viradhanur near Madurai—attended not just by supporters but by hundreds of cattle including cows, buffaloes, bulls, and oxen. The conference, titled Meichal Nilam Yengal Urimai ("Grazing Land is Our Right"), brought focus to the plight of cattle farmers and demanded concrete action to protect and restore traditional grazing lands.
Seeman Addressed Cattle & Humans
Addressing the gathering—comprised of both humans and livestock—Naam Tamilar Katchi Chief Coordinator Seeman laid out 15 specific demands aimed at safeguarding the livelihoods of herders and resisting restrictions on grazing access in forest regions, as per a report on India Today. He announced that the party will hold another protest on August 3 in Theni district, with cattle again symbolically leading the demonstration to assert herders’ rights in the Western Ghats.
Seeman strongly criticised the forest department for imposing grazing limitations that, according to him, endanger age-old pastoral practices. He emphasised the need to promote organic farming, livestock, and poultry as integral to sustainable agriculture, reported The Hindu.
In a related development, NTK reaffirmed its intention to contest the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections independently for the fifth consecutive time. Speaking at a recent public meeting in Coimbatore commemorating the May 18 Mullivaikkal genocide, Seeman reiterated the party’s uncompromising stand on Tamil nationalism.
"We have contested and lost many elections, including Assembly elections, local body elections, and parliamentary elections. If we are going to stand alone for the fifth time again, then it is only Naam Tamilar Katchi in the history of Indian politics," said 'Senthamizhan' Seeman, the party coordinator, at a public meeting in Coimbatore, as per a report on IANS.
It may be noted that NTK was alloted farmer symbol after it was recognised as a State party post Lok Sabha polls 2024.