CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed his optimism in the ability of the INDIA bloc to fulfil its pledges for uplifting OBC, SC, and ST communities when it comes to power in the centre. He said this in a message delivered at the Social Justice Conference of the Samruddha Bharat Foundation in New Delhi on Wednesday. The message, underscoring Tamil Nadu’s significant strides in advancing social justice, was conveyed by DMK’s Rajya Sabha MP P Wilson.
Stalin emphasised on the state’s historic role, tracing back to the Justice Party Government of 1921, which pioneered reservations for the underprivileged through the communal government order.
He further recalled the protests for reservations held in the erstwhile Madras Presidency. “Post-independence, amidst threats to the reservation system, the resolute protests by the Dravidian Movement...catalysed the first amendment of our Constitution.”
The chief minister noted Tamil Nadu’s progressive policies, like the implementation of a 69% reservation for OBCs and SC/STs, which surpasses the 50% limit, and the reservation of 7.5% seats in professional courses for government school students.
Furthermore, he mentioned the recent resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, urging the Union government to extend reservations to Scheduled Caste members who have converted to Christianity. He also shared his happiness over the Congress party’s election manifesto, which echoes the DMK party’s principles.