In one voice, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s MP Kanimozhi, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi’s Thol Thirumavalavan, and the Communist Party of India’s C. Mahendran said the recently announced 10% reservation for the economically backward among the upper castes was not the way out.

At a session on ‘Governance a responsibility’ — moderated by journalist S. Karthigachelvan — at The Hindu Lit For Life, Mr. Thirumavalavan said reservation was a way to implement social justice, to set right years of suppression, and not to alleviate poverty.

Ms. Kanimozhi said if the party at the Centre was really concerned about the welfare of that section, they could provide them financial assistance, ensure free seats in educational institutions.

Mr. Mahendran said this was political drama to get votes from the upper castes.

Differing on this, Congress leader Peter Alphonse said his party was committed to providing reservation to the economically backward.