Vaiko, the general secretary of the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) party, has announced a hunger strike scheduled for June 5, 2026, to demand immediate repairs to the Shenbagavalli Dam in Kerala. This dam, constructed in 1773, is essential for irrigation and drinking water for farmers in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Vaiko highlighted that significant damage has existed since 1935, with cracks that were only partially repaired in 1955. The dam's main canals have never been fully restored, severely affecting water supply to regions like Sivagiri, Sankarankovil, and Rajapalayam. Despite the Tamil Nadu government allocating funds for repairs, no work has commenced. Vaiko has met with multiple Kerala Chief Ministers to address this issue, but no action has been taken. He emphasized the urgent need for the Tamil Nadu government to engage with Kerala authorities to repair the dam and also called for the removal of wild boars from the list of protected species, as they are damaging crops. The hunger strike will occur at Vasudeva Nallur in Tenkasi district, Tamil Nadu, alongside local farmers.