Protesting sugarcane farmers in Thirumandankudi, Thanjavur, have urged Lok Sabha candidates for assurance in resolving their long-standing issue. The farmers, demonstrating for over 500 days, supplied cane to a now-defunct sugar mill acquired by a distillery company. While some dues were cleared post-acquisition, farmers demand relief from debt incurred fraudulently by the previous management. Despite failed attempts to address officials, farmers seek candidates’ attention during election campaigns. Congress candidate R. Sudha promised to escalate the matter to Rahul Gandhi for resolution.