The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : `Law needed to uphold democracy in Dalit panchayats'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, May 20, 2005

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

`Law needed to uphold democracy in Dalit panchayats'

Staff Reporter

Concern at the continuing denial of rights to Dalits to take part in election

MADURAI: : The need for enacting a law to uphold democracy in the reserved panchayats of Pappapatti, Keeripatti and Nattamangalam in Madurai district and Kottakatchiyendhal in Virudhunagar district was stressed by the Communist Party of India here on Thursday.

At a fast organised by the party a majority of speakers, including national secretary D. Raja expressed concern at the continuing denial of rights to Dalits to take part in election.

Demanding action against those responsible for ostracising Dalits at Keeripatti, who cast their vote in the elections, the speakers appealed to the Government to ensure that the elected Dalit presidents completed their term. They had been resigning immediately after taking charge.

Mr. Raja said he would take up the issue with Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh. The rule of law and democracy failed in these villages, he said and called for immediate intervention by the Centre State Government.

Resignation drama

The SC/ST and MBC people, educationally, socially and economically backward, should together fight for their rights. "Their mindset and approach should change.

The Government must take a serious view of the resignation drama continuing in the reserved panchayats."

Double-tumbler system

Mr. Raja said the double-tumbler system was still prevalent in Tamil Nadu. Extending political power to Dalits was a long-fought struggle in which the Communists played a vital role.

Madurai (East) MLA N Nanmaran said the demand to bring the reserved panchayats under the general category should not be granted.

The Government should make sure that the Dalit presidents completed their terms.

All funds for the development of the reserved panchayats should be routed through elected presidents, he said.

At least 3,000 cadres, including women, took part in the agitation.

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