Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president and Member of Parliament Thol Thirumavalavan on Sunday, 30 August raised sharp questions over the absence of references to B.R. Ambedkar and Periyar E.V. Ramasamy in the Tamil Nadu government's policy note on Backward Classes welfare, demanding an explanation from the ministers and officials responsible.

Speaking to reporters at Tiruchirappalli airport, Thirumavalavan said the omission had triggered serious concerns and called on the government to investigate how the lapse occurred and prevent its recurrence in future official documents.

What Was Omitted

The controversy centres on the Backward Classes and Most Backward Classes Welfare Department's policy note for 2026-27, tabled in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Thursday. References to former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Periyar, Ambedkar, and the Justice Party were reportedly missing from the document.

The note also allegedly omitted mention of the Communal Government Order, Periyar's agitations, the Mandal Commission, and the introduction of 27 per cent reservation for Other Backward Classes in Union government jobs and educational admissions. By contrast, the previous Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government's equivalent policy note had prominently highlighted these leaders and their contributions to the social justice and reservation movements.

DMK's Reaction

The DMK launched a pointed attack on the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) administration, accusing it of deliberately erasing pivotal chapters from Tamil Nadu's social justice legacy. DMK legal wing joint secretary I. Paranthaman alleged that the omissions amounted to 'a historic betrayal' in a state widely regarded as the cradle of social justice.

Paranthaman claimed the erasure of the Justice Party's contributions and those of prominent social justice leaders was part of a 'calculated effort.' The DMK further accused the TVK government of functioning as a 'shadow BJP government,' despite having come to power with the support of the Indian National Congress (Congress) and other alliance partners.

Minister Accepts Responsibility

Backward Classes Welfare Minister V. Sampath Kumar took moral responsibility for the omissions, acknowledging the lapse and assuring that a corrected and revised version of the policy note would be published. The minister's response was seen as an attempt to contain the political fallout.

VCK's Broader Demands

Beyond the policy note row, Thirumavalavan stressed that the Tamil Nadu government had wider obligations towards Dalits — including strengthening protective measures and considering special legislation for their welfare and safety. He indicated the VCK would continue to press for effective action until these commitments were fulfilled.

Thirumavalavan also criticised the decision to downgrade the security cover provided to former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, calling the move inappropriate and urging the government to restore the security arrangements previously extended to the DMK leader.

With the minister's admission of a lapse and a revised note promised, the episode has drawn fresh scrutiny to the TVK government's handling of Tamil Nadu's social justice legacy — a politically sensitive terrain in the state.