PMK president Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss on Wednesday led protests against the DMK-led State government in Egmore in Chennai for not conducting a caste-survey in Tamil Nadu and trained his guns on DMK’s alliance partners – VCK chief Thol. Thirumavalavan, TNCC president K. Selvaperunthagai, MDMK Chief Vaiko and Dravidar Kazhagam president K. Veeramani – for maintaining silence despite supporting the cause in principle.
Speaking at the protest, he said the caste-wise survey was essential to protect the 69% reservations in place in Tamil Nadu, ensure proper delivery of government schemes. “The reservations currently being provided are based on the population census conducted in 1931. In 1931, India’s population was 28 crore; today it is 146 crore. The Union government’s census will be macro-level and only State government can ensure micro-level data. Therefore, only if the State Government conducts a caste-wise survey will the true condition of the people of Tamil Nadu become known,” he said.
Dr. Anbumani accused the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, has been spreading falsehoods and reiterated that the powers of State Government to conduct caste survey has been confirmed by the Courts, including Karnataka High Court.
He asked if all 76 communities within the Scheduled Caste list received adequate opportunities in terms of access to education and jobs. “How can we know this with evidence? A census is essential for that. Even among Scheduled Tribes, where 1% reservation is provided, there are 36 sub-groups. Among them, 6–7 groups enjoy most of the reservation benefits, while the rest do not receive them.”
Published – December 18, 2025 12:36 am IST
