PMK’s invitation to DMK allies for protest demanding caste survey causes unease

PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss’s invitation to political leaders who have campaigned for a caste census, such as those of the VCK and the Congress, to join the PMK’s demonstration over the issue on December 17 has caused unease. The party, however, remained hopeful that it would get broad-based support.

While VCK general secretary D. Ravikumar said demanding a caste census/survey when the Centre had already announced the schedule for a caste census in 2027 was a farce, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K. Selvaperunthagai said he was yet to decide on the matter. The CPI(M) has decided not to take part in the protest.

‘A Union subject’

“The caste surveys conducted by the Bihar and Karnataka governments have been mired in issues. A survey is not really a door-to-door enumeration, but is done through sampling, the accuracy of which is questionable. Moreover, Article 246 clearly states that a census is a Union subject, and it [census] has been announced. The protest is ridiculous at this point,” Mr. Ravikumar said.

“We have consulted with the All India Congress Committee. We will take a decision within a few days,” Mr. Selvaperunthagai said.

While the PMK seemingly being a part of the NDA complicates matters, TNCC sources said the fact that the caste census is an issue championed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi could also make the State unit consider participating in the protest.

PMK spokesperson K. Balu said parties that speak about State autonomy and federalism should not put the onus on the Union government on this issue, and should push the State government to conduct a caste survey.

“In the case of Bihar, the validity of the caste survey was challenged, but the Patna High Court upheld the survey. Only the reservation provided was challenged and set aside, on the ground that it was provided based on proportional representation,” he said.

“It is also not true that a caste survey is just a sampling of communities. Also, if the Centre does not go ahead with its plan, will the State continue to blame the Centre and not conduct the exercise despite having the power to do so?” he added.

Meanwhile, leading a demonstration against the newly notified Labour Codes in Dharmapuri, CPI State secretary M. Veerapandian said that while his party supports a caste census, it will not work with the PMK as long as the latter is an ally of the BJP.