Tue Jan 28 17:07:26 UTC 2025: ## DMK Minister Defends Party’s Record on Vanniyar Welfare

**Chennai, January 28, 2025** – A senior DMK minister, R. Rajendran, has rebutted criticism from PMK founder Anbumani Ramadoss regarding the lack of a specific reservation announcement for Vanniyars. Ramadoss accused Chief Minister M.K. Stalin of betraying the Vanniyar community during a recent visit to Villupuram district. He criticized the absence of an announcement regarding the implementation of 10.5% internal reservations within the Most Backward Classes (MBC) category.

Minister Rajendran countered these claims, highlighting the DMK’s historical support for the Vanniyar community. He cited the construction of a manimandapam (memorial) for 21 social justice activists who died during the 1987 Vanniyar reservation agitation – a promise made by Stalin when he was Leader of the Opposition.

Rajendran further detailed past actions taken by DMK governments, including the withdrawal of cases against over 42,000 people involved in the 1987 protests, the issuance of a G.O. for 20% vertical reservation for Vanniyars and other communities in 1989, and the provision of financial compensation and pensions to the families of the slain activists in 1996. He emphasized the inclusion of Vanniyars within the MBC category. The minister’s statement aims to defend the DMK’s record on Vanniyar welfare against accusations of broken promises.

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