In a bid to bring the Puthiya Tamilagam into the NDA fold, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Wednesday announced that a committee will be formed to look into the party’s demand for six Scheduled Castes (Pallar, Kudumbar, Pannadi, Kaalaadi, Kadayar and Devendrakulattar) to be referred to as Devendrakula Vellalars.
With this announcement, Puthiya Tamilagam is expected to formally join the AIADMK-BJP alliance in the State.
Crucial gesture
A party leader said the government’s initiative was crucial to PT joining the alliance. “The State government has taken the first step,” said Shyam Krishnasamy, youth wing leader, Puthiya Tamilagam. He said the party was keen that the State government should take steps towards fulfilling the demand before the Lok Sabha election. The party is expected to seek the Tenkasi Lok Sabha constituency and a few Assembly seats.
Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami announcement that State government will take decision based on the committee’s report came close on the heels of Dr. Krishnasamy’s statement few days ago that the State Government must show some commitment.
Dr. Krishnasamy on Monday expressed disappointment at the State Government for not doing enough to meet their demand. “There is no complication for Edappadi K. Palaniswami’s government in passing a G.O. to rename these castes under the Scheduled Castes list as Devendrakula Vellalars. We expect them to pass an order before the elections,” said Dr. Krishnasamy, a couple of days ago in Chennai.