‘Ramasamy’s portrait to adorn Assembly’

Addressing a function organised by the Federation of All India Vanniyakula Kshatriya Associations here, Palaniswami said the AIADMK is the only party that is working for the welfare of Vanniyars, besides uplifting other backward communities. 

He recalled the increase in reservation for BCs from 31 to 50 per cent, including the 20 per cent for MBCs, by former Chief Minister MG Ramachandran.

“Ramasamy Padayatchiyar worked for the welfare of the Vanniyar Community. To add glory and prestige to him, a life-size portrait of him will be placed inside the Assembly hall,” Palaniswami said.

Palaniswami recalled the contribution of members of Vanniyar community towards freedom struggle and social equality. Ramasamy Padayatchiyar was the first one to pitch for a separate class called ‘Most Backward Class’ and sought 20 per cent reservation for MBC. He demanded the inclusion of Vanniyars in the MBC category and demanded 2 per cent reservation for them at the Centre, said Palaniswami.

He also criticised the PMK indirectly by saying that parties which claim to represent the interests of Vanniyars had not taken any steps to reclaim lands belonging to the community.

“The AIADMK government has so far identified 79 properties in 18 districts belonging to Vanniyars. In an effort to protect the properties, the state government has drafted a bill and sent it to the President for his consent,” said the Chief Minister.

The state government recently celebrated the birthday of Ramasamy Padayatchiyar as a government function, while the foundation stone was laid for constructing a memorial for the late leader in his native Cuddalore district.