The PMK founder reiterated the demand for caste-based census, saying the goal is to provide population-based reservation to all communities
One of Tamil Nadu’s senior political leaders and PMK founder S. Ramadoss In an interview, he stressed that special reservation for Vanniyars would not lead to consolidation of other MBC communities. He believes that the public will ensure that the DMK does not return to power. Edited excerpts:
The AIADMK-PMK alliance faced a path responsible for the anti-Modi wave in 2019. With rising fuel and LPG prices, what do you think your alliance will win?
There is no denying that the rising prices of petrol, diesel and cooking gas will affect our people. The PMK has always insisted on reduction in taxes on fuel for the safety of the people. This is only a temporary phenomenon as the oil producing countries have decided to increase the production of crude oil; Gradually, fuel prices will come down.
In addition, they fall under the domain of the Center. People are well aware that the upcoming election is for the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. AIADMK has announced to provide six free LPG cylinders in every household every year and this will reduce the burden of people to a great extent.
Apart from all this, people are well aware of the loss on the DMK’s return to power. Therefore, the increase in fuel prices will not have a huge impact. At the same time, 1,500 1,500 per month of financial aid will receive more votes.
You made a 10-point demand in 2019 before joining the AIADMK alliance. But now you have only demanded Vanniyar reservation …
Separate reservation is not a new demand for the Vanniyar community. The need for conducting caste-based census in Tamil Nadu was one of our primary demands in 2019.
The objective is to provide population-based reservation to all communities, including foresters. Now, a commission has been formed to collect caste-based population data. Once caste-based data are available, adequate reservation will be provided to all communities, including Vanniyars.
Five of the 10 demands made by the PMK in 2019 have been met. The party will continue to insist that the rest of the work be completed.
There is a view that 10.5% reservation will promote consolidation of non-Vanniyars in MBC against AIADMK and PMK …
The 10.5% reservation provided for Vanniyars will not affect any other MBC community. Every MBC community except Vanniyars will get more reservation. The total MBC population is 20.87% and the reservation provided to them is 20%.
According to the Ambaskar and Janardhana Commissions, Vanniyar has a population of 13.6%. Other MBCs constitute 7.2% of the population. Only 10.5% reservation is provided for 13.6% of Vanniyars, while 9.5% reservation is provided to the remaining 7.2% MBCs. Therefore, there is no negative effect on them. Therefore, it is incorrect to state that other MBCs are rallying against AIADMK and PMK. Nobody objected to this. Even protest [which he described as a “single-digit crowd”] It was provoked by some parties organized in the southern districts.
Are you not taking the risk of being labeled a Vanniyar party, restricting your political development?
Please read our manifesto. We are demanding caste census. If Brahmins are 3% of the population, then give them 3% representation. In Kerala, reservation is divided into eight compartments, not on the basis of castes, but on the basis of castes. 14% reservation has been given to Ezhavas alone. Similarly, Nadars, Vishwakarma, Latin Christians… have been given separate reservations. We are saying the same thing.
First do the caste census. This was last done by the British in 1931. A census is done every 10 years for SC / ST.
The Vaniors will account for about 15% of the population. We have obtained 10.5% reservation as a first step. If a coconut should be divided among 100 people, it should be broken into 100 pieces. We want everyone to study, get jobs and be in good health.
PMK disagreed with NPR, CAA and NRC. Your MP Anbumani said in 2019 that PMK will change the policies of AIADMK and BJP from within. Have you spoken with the BJP leadership about this issue?
We do not agree with NPR, CAA and NRC. We have made this clear in the party’s proposals and in our election manifesto. AIADMK’s stance on the issue has changed to an extent, and the state has written to the Center, requesting an announcement that controversial questions will be avoided in the NPR preparation process. We also strongly believe that Centre’s stance on this issue will change.
With the state’s taxation revenue declining and debt increasing, do you think states can implement prohibition?
What’s wrong if the state loses that revenue? My dream is to see a Tamil Nadu without a drop of alcohol. Former chief ministers Rajaji, OP Ramasamy Radiyar, Kamaraj, Bhaktavatsalam and Annadurai enforced prohibition. When asked how would we get revenue from Annadurai, he said, “If leprosy has butter in its hands, will we take it?” It was Karunanidhi who removed liquor ban. I have fought against alcohol for 40 years. In Tamil Nadu, even 12-year-olds have started drinking alcohol. DMK and AIADMK businessmen are selling high-priced liquor. This is also a kind of corruption.
Given that you have been such a strong critic of the Dravidian parties, what are your thoughts on their future?
Our rights have been compromised or given to other southern states in the name of Dravidian ideology. In my opinion, they have never respected our rights. No political philosophy or party will be destroyed.
Political philosophies will continue all the time, only their influence may vary from time to time.
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