Cauvery row: Protests grip Chennai as IPL game against Kolkata kicks off, 4,000 cops deployed at stadium
Chennai protests
The protesters are calling for Chennai's match against Kolkata to be dropped because of the Centre’s inaction in setting up a Cauvery Management Board.
Protests intensified in the city today against the conduct of IPL matches amid raging Cauvery demonstrations, with police chasing away agitators in some places.
One incident of agitators burning yellow jerseys, the attire of Chennai players, was also reported.
Hundreds of activists of pro-Tamil outfits like Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVK), Naam Tamizhar, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and some Muslim groups staged road blockade at the arterial Anna Salai and TTK Salai, affecting traffic movement, police said.
Tamil film celebrities, director Bharathirajaa and national award-winning lyricist Vairamuthu among others also joined the agitation.
In some places, protesters clashed with police.
The protesters are calling for Chennai's match against Kolkata to be dropped because of the Centre’s inaction in setting up a Cauvery Management Board.
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
WWE Backlash 2026 Full Results: Reigns beats Fatu; 'John Cena Classic' revealed
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
7 reasons why China is mass-producing Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter jets faster than ever
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Vijay goes off-script before reading formal oath of Tamil Nadu CM, jubilant fans cheer every word | WATCH top 5 moments
)
Jana Nayagan producer shares update about film after Vijay’s Tamil Nadu CM swearing-in ceremony
)
Gold Gala 2026: Priyanka Chopra Jonas stuns at the red carpet in vintage chikankari sculptural gown | See pics
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Democracy Perception Index 2026: Sweden Tops, India outranks US and China - Check where Pakistan ranks
)
Why was a 22-foot gold statue of Trump unveiled at his Florida golf resort?
)
Pak Army chief says last year’s conflict with India was ‘battle of two ideologies’, claims strategy superioirity
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Quantum leap: New algorithm unlocks complex materials beyond supercomputers, solving them in seconds
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet Top 5 Batters Fastest to 100 T20 Sixes
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
UFO Files: Released Tranche 1 still leaves many cases 'unresolved'
)
‘Will not allow any country to interfere’: Iran warns France, UK against any Hormuz deployment; Macron says ‘never envisaged’ it
)
All eyes on modern look: Vijay chooses black pantsuit over traditional shirt-veshti at TN CM oath ceremony
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why defense analysts believe China’s Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter program has entered a dangerous new era
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Who will get Ted Turner’s fortune?
)
Trisha Krishnan shares warm moment with Vijay’s family during Tamil Nadu CM swearing-in ceremony
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
When did Vijay and Trisha first meet? Timeline of their off screen friendship
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
‘Radar blind spot’: Can the F-35’s advanced radars see China’s J-20 fighter jet coming?
)
‘Confront the enemy’: Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issues new directive after meeting military head
)
Iran launches fresh drone attacks across Gulf after threatening US
)
Iran mulls taking full control of all 7 undersea internet cables passing through Strait of Hormuz
)
North Korea amends constitution, mandates nuclear strike if Kim Jong Un is assassinated: Report
)
French Open 2026 | Sinner to boycott Roland Garros? World no. 1 says it is 'about respect'
)
BLACKPINK's Lisa to perform at FIFA World Cup opening ceremony alongside Katy Perry, Tyla and more
)
‘Iran war not over until uranium is removed, facilities dismantled,’ says Benjamin Netanyahu
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How many J-20 fighter jets are currently operational in China’s air force
)
‘Curb fuel use, avoid foreign travel and buying gold,’ PM Modi appeals nation to help tide over crisis
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Mother’s Day 2026: 7 best movies to watch with your mom on Netflix, Prime Video, and other OTT platforms
)
Iran claims US F-35 Lightning II fighter jet declared mid-air emergency near Strait of Hormuz – What we know
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
UFO Files: Pentagon launches new portal (WAR.GOV/UFO) with 162 declassified files
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Draft Limits': Why the USS Abraham Lincoln cannot enter most ports
Over 350 people were arrested. And security has been heightened around the MA Chidambaram stadium where Chennai is scheduled to take on Kolkata today at 8 pm.
The threat of more protests prompted police to step up security for the cricketers, including during their journey to the stadium from their hotel.
The CSK team suffered a slight delay on its onward trip to the stadium for the match due to the disruption.
The Chidambaram stadium has been turned into a virtual fortress with 4,000 policemen including commandos and members of the Rapid Action Force deployed for security. Today's IPL tie is the first in Chennai since 2015.
Police were seen chasing away protesters on the arterial Anna Salai which bore the brunt as scores of protesters staged agitation on this key road, resulting in traffic snarls.
Some protesters were seen raising slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not establishing the Cauvery Management Board, an issue on which Tamil Nadu political parties including DMK and other outfits have been agitating for the past one week.
Meanwhile, IPL Chairman Rajeev Shukla met Union Home Secretary Rajeev Gauba to speak with him him about security arrangements for the matches to be held in Chennai. Gauba repportedly assured Shukla that appropriate arrangements had been made.