Disproportionate Advantages: Dalit Party in TN Demands Caste Census for Equitable Reservations
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Synopsis
The Puthiya Tamilagam (PT) party in Tamil Nadu calls for a caste-based census to ensure fair reservations for all Scheduled Castes, highlighting the disproportionate benefits received by the Arunthathiyar community. Protests are planned for May 17 as part of their advocacy efforts.
Key Takeaways
- Puthiya Tamilagam demands a caste census for SCs.
- Current reservation system unfairly favors Arunthathiyars.
- Dr K. Krishnasamy leads protests on May 17.
- The party seeks equitable distribution of jobs and resources.
- They aim to influence the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
Chennai, March 18 (NationPress) The Puthiya Tamilagam (PT), a political party advocating for the Dalit-Devendra Kula Vellalar community, has requested a caste-based census among the Scheduled Caste (SC) groups in Tamil Nadu to guarantee a just allocation of reservations.
In a declaration, PT chief and former MLA Dr K. Krishnasamy revealed that the party will conduct protests throughout Tamil Nadu on May 17 to advocate for reforms in internal reservations among SCs.
He asserted that the Arunthathiyar community has received excessive advantages from the existing reservation framework, neglecting the Adi Dravidars and Devendra Kula Vellalars (DVKs).
Dr Krishnasamy pointed out that following the introduction of the 3 percent internal reservation for Arunthathiyars in 2009, initiated by the then DMK government under M. Karunanidhi, Adi Dravidars and DVKs have lost over 15,000 prestigious government roles.
He maintained that rather than internal reservations, a caste-based census should be carried out among SCs to guarantee a fair distribution of employment and resources.
He further claimed that the Arunthathiyars, who predominantly communicate in Telugu and Kannada, are not indigenous to Tamil Nadu yet have gained disproportionate advantages within the 18 percent quota designated for Scheduled Castes.
“There are approximately 70 Scheduled Caste communities in Tamil Nadu, and all of them should obtain a fair allocation of reservations instead of the rewards being concentrated within a single group,” Krishnasamy emphasized.
Looking forward to the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Dr Krishnasamy proclaimed that Puthiya Tamilagam would back any party willing to engage in power-sharing, including ministerial roles, if it comes to power.
He also pledged to unseat the ruling DMK. Additionally, he criticized the DMK’s position on the three-language policy, accusing its leaders of hypocrisy.
He asserted that while DMK leaders enroll their children in schools adhering to the three-language system, they resist implementing the same in government schools.
Puthiya Tamilagam was established by Dr K. Krishnasamy in 1997 and has partnered with both the DMK and AIADMK in various elections.
In the 2011 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the party, in alliance with the AIADMK, won two seats -- Dr Krishnasamy was elected from Ottapidaram, while party leader A. Ramasamy won from Nilakottai.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, PT contested as part of the AIADMK coalition but did not secure a seat.
With its recent demand for a caste census and a revamp of the internal reservation system, Puthiya Tamilagam is positioning itself as a significant player in Tamil Nadu’s political scene ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. The forthcoming protests on May 17 will act as a vital indicator of the party’s influence and public backing on this matter.
