Wed Dec 25 09:08:29 UTC 2024: ## Tamil Nadu Minister Accuses PMK of Using Caste Census Issue for Political Gain

**Chennai, December 25, 2024** – Tamil Nadu Transport Minister S.S. Sivasankar has accused Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) president Anbumani Ramadoss of using the caste census issue for political maneuvering. Sivasankar questioned Ramadoss’s courage to demand a caste census from the BJP-led Union government, their alliance partner.

Ramadoss had criticized the DMK government for not conducting a caste census and failing to implement internal reservation for the Vanniyar community. In response, Sivasankar alleged that the PMK, under S. Ramadoss and Anbumani Ramadoss, was using the Vanniyar community to negotiate for more electoral seats. He further claimed that the PMK’s offer of unconditional support to the DMK in the 2026 Assembly elections in exchange for 15% internal reservation for Vanniyars was insincere. Sivasankar challenged Ramadoss to withdraw from the BJP alliance, which he accused of hindering reservation policies.

The Minister highlighted that existing reservation policies have already increased the number of Vanniyar students in higher education by over 10.5% in the past decade, arguing that additional internal reservation would be detrimental to the community. He emphasized the DMK government’s cautious approach to policymaking, prioritizing inclusivity and avoiding actions that could face legal challenges. Sivasankar accused the BJP government of attempting to dismantle the reservation system and alleged that the PMK was complicit in this endeavor.

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