Congress’s manifesto echoes many of the DMK’s principles: CM
Stalin’s speech was read by DMK MP P. Wilson at the Social Justice Conference organised by the Samruddha Bharat Foundation in Delhi
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Wednesday said that the Congress’s 2024 election manifesto echoed many of the DMK’s principles. “I earnestly hope that our forthcoming government will full its pledges to uplift OBCs and SC/STs,” he said.
Mr. Stalin’s speech was read by DMK MP P. Wilson at the Social Justice Conference organised by the Samruddha Bharat Foundation in New Delhi. The Chief Minister said it was imperative to acknowledge Tamil Nadu’s pivotal role in championing social justice within India. The legacy of the Justice Party government, dating to 1921, stood as a beacon of social justice with the introduction of reservations for the underprivileged.
Post-independence, amid threats to the reservation system, resolute protests by the Dravidian movement – famously known as ‘the happenings in Madras’ – catalysed the rst amendment of the Constitution. This amendment solidied a¤rmative action, ensuring the continued betterment of the marginalised, he said.
He further said that Tamil Nadu currently had a 69% reservation for OBCs and SC/STs, surpassing the arbitrary 50% limit.
“Notably, recent strides include a ground-breaking 7.5% reservation in professional courses for students from government schools, alongside a full nancial support to those admitted under this quota. Moreover, the Tamil Nadu Assembly has recently passed a resolution urging the Union government to extend reservations to Scheduled Caste members who have converted to Christianity...,” Mr. Stalin added.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who was the chief guest of the event, addressed the gathering. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge spoke at the valedictory session.