CHENNAI: Welcoming K Selvaperunthagai, MLA and hundreds of his supporters into Congress on Sunday here, Union Home Minister P Chidambaram said Dalit patronage is crucial for the party to reach a prominent place in Tamil Nadu.
Addressing party workers at Satyamurthy Bhavan after formally admitting Selvaperunthagai, a Dalit leader, in the presence of Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president KV Thangkabalu, Chidambaram said Dalits forming about 18 per cent of the country’s population were a force to reckon with. “Who can ignore them,” he asked and added that for the Congress to reach the top slot in the State, the support of the Dalit community was critical.
Recalling the contribution of Dalit icons like Dr Ambedkar, Babu Jagjivan Ram and Kakkan, he said the Congress party, which provided the right platform for such leaders to achieve great heights is happy to accommodate the new generation Dalits to grow and serve the nation.
“I heartily welcome Selvaperunthagai and other Dalit leaders to Congress. You have all the rights here, take it.”
Reeling out several welfare schemes run by the Union government for the welfare of Dalits including pre and post matric scholarship to students, Chid ambaram said: “While the UPA government provided opportunities in education and job opportunities, the Congress would get them status and power in the society.”
Referring to Kakkan, the home minister said the Dalit stalwart went on to occupy important positions from very humble origins. “Many do not know that he was the first Dalit to become the president of the TNCC. His growth is a testimony to his honesty, hardwork and commitment towards the welfare of the people.”
Dalit leaders like Maragatham Chandrasekar and Illaya Perumal succeeded him. “I am hopeful that a Dalit leader would come to occupy the TNCC top post in the future.”
Selvaperunthagai, representing Mangalore constituency in Cuddalore district joined the BSP even while continuing as a member of VCK in the TN Assembly.