T.N. Assembly election: PMK poll manifesto calls for T.N. govt. to carry out caste census

PMK's manifesto demands a caste census, cash support for women, and accountability for Tamil Nadu's government amid alleged corruption.

PMK president Anbumani on Wednesday said the party would urge the State government to conduct “social justice” caste census, ensure ₹2,000 to all women every month, improve law and order, and stop the proliferation of drugs in Tamil Nadu.

Releasing the election manifesto at the party’s office in Chennai, he said: “The Centre will collect macro-level data. Only State governments can collect micro-level data, which can be justified in the courts. Population of a caste and its backwardness needs justification, based on which internal reservations and so on can be given. A State government can ask 70 questions to get complete data. It is to determine social, educational, and economic condition of families.” He also charged the DMK government of accruing enormous debts without any capital expenditure.

“There has been no money spent on irrigation projects, improving government schools and medical colleges, and constructing industries. Only ₹1.6 lakh crore has been spent on capital expenditure. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is surrounded by a few bureaucrats and Ministers who behave like businessmen,” he alleged. He claimed that corruption to the tune of ₹1.82 lakh crore had taken place in Tasmac alone. “They have done all this because they know they aren’t coming back,” he said. adding, “I welcome direct cash transfers but the people should be allowed to live with dignity.”

Despite ideological differences, Dr. Anbumani said, the opposition was together to oppose and remove the DMK’s “corrupt” rule. Asked how he could justify an alliance with the AIADMK, which he had opposed earlier for the same reasons, Dr. Anbumani said, “Didn’t Vaiko (MDMK leader), Vijayakant (late DMDK founder), and Thirumavalavan (VCK leader) accuse the DMK of corruption earlier? Vijayakant started the party to oppose the DMK. We have formed the alliance to remove the DMK which hasn’t been able to provide protection to women, which sells drugs, and is corrupt. This is why we are together. We may have ideological differences, but we have one goal.”

Dr. Anbumani further said Tamil Nadu has been denied a strong and an independent Lokayukta because those in power would be the first to go to jail.

“Enforcement Directorate has given evidence of corruption to the tune of ₹4,800 crore in sand mining. The Tamil Nadu government should have done started the investigation. But, they have gone to the court,” he said.