The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Caste-based groups must unite: DPI

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jan 24, 2005

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Caste-based groups must unite: DPI

By Our Staff Reporter

MADURAI, JAN. 23. The caste-based groups in the southern districts are likely to rally behind some of the political parties that have been gaining ground in the State such as the Dalit Panthers of India (DPI) and the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK).

The DPI conference held here on Saturday is a shot in the arm for the party as it has managed to bring together like-minded groups on a common platform. The DPI appealed to various Dalit factions and all caste-based parties in the State to seek political recognition under an umbrella group.

N. Sethuraman, founder, All India Moovendar Munannani Kazhagam, said there were five major castes in Tamil Nadu and if they joined ranks they could be a formidable force. He endorsed the opinion of S. Ramadoss, founder president of PMK, that these groups could project a common chief ministerial candidate and later share the post among them on a rotation. Dr. Ramadoss had said that if the groups came together, he would help make a Dalit become a Chief Minister.

The conference drew huge crowds, especially the youth. "The issue of devolution of power in the spirit of Panchayat Raj would be a reality only when Dalits were made to participate in elections without fear, a senior DPI member said. And the DPI had initiated steps to achieve this vision, he claimed.

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