PMK Chief Anbumani Ramadoss Leads Chennai Meeting Demanding Caste Survey
PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss convened a multi-party meeting in Chennai to demand a comprehensive caste-based survey in Tamil Nadu. The meeting, which brought together leaders from various political parties, focused on the necessity of updated socio-economic data to protect the state's existing reservation policies.
Several prominent political figures attended the meeting in Chennai, including BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran, former AIADMK minister Agri Krishnamurthy, and Tamila Vazhvurimai Katchi founder Velmurugan.
Speaking at the gathering, Ramadoss emphasized that the proposed survey is not intended for the welfare of any single caste, but is crucial for the overall development of the state. He argued that Tamil Nadu needs a caste-based survey to generate updated socio-economic data and to legally defend its 69% reservation policy before the courts.
According to Ramadoss, the state government currently lacks detailed data regarding the educational levels, economic conditions, housing status, and social advancement of many communities. He stated that only a comprehensive survey could provide the necessary information to legally protect the 69% reservation policy.
Ramadoss pointed out that other states, including Bihar and Karnataka, have already completed their caste surveys, while Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha are currently conducting similar exercises. He noted that Karnataka utilized its survey findings to increase the reservation for Scheduled Castes from 15% to 17%.
Defining social justice as identifying and assisting marginalized groups, the PMK leader stated that a caste survey would help reveal disparities within various communities and sub-groups.
Ramadoss also shared that he had previously urged Chief Minister Vijay to conduct a caste survey during a personal visit to his house. According to Ramadoss, Vijay responded that the TVK was committed to ensuring representation for all communities on the basis of social justice.
