Chennai: The year 2013 was a year in which the Pattali Makkal Katchi went back to its roots to rake up caste politics to shore up its sliding political fortunes.
After suffering a humiliating defeat in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections and Assembly polls in 2011, the PMK devised a strategy to form an alternative alliance to the DMK and AIADMK in the state with the support of caste Hindu groups. The PMK’s strategy to consolidate non-dalit communities created tension across the state.
The PMK’s annual Chithirai Thiruvizha, held in Mahabalipuram, turned violent, with sections of its cadres attacking a dalit colony in Marakkanam.
PMK founder Dr S.Ramadoss, his son Anbumani, party president G. K. Mani and Vanniyar Sangam and MLA Kaduvetti J. Guru were arrested in various cases after the Chithirai festival violence.
Guru who was detained under the NSA on April 30 was released recently after the Madras High Court quashed his detention.
The festival was organised in the backdrop of renewed hostility between Dalits and Vanniyars in Dharmapuri over an inter- caste marriage, which led to the torching of dalit dwellings in Natham Colony.
Chief Minister JayalaliÂthaa cracked the whip on the party and even threatened to ban it.
The arrest of PMK leaders led to widespread attacks on government buses and public property. Night bus services were cancelled in the northern districts for several days until the situation returned to normal.
Dr Ramadoss in October announced the floating of a ‘Social Democratic Alliance’, consisting of caste parties, for the LS polls and declared its candidates for seven seats.
However, the PMK is now holding talks with the BJP for an electoral tie-up for the 2014 LS polls. The BJP has planned to float a front, comprising DMDK, MDMK and PMK.
Next: Liquor wastes youth power, says Ramadoss
Liquor wastes youth power, says Ramadoss
Krishnagiri: PMK leader Dr S.Ramadoss leader said on Sunday that youth power is being wasted following the state government's decision not to close TASMAC shops despite PMK's demand that they be shut down.
RamaÂdÂoss attended various party functions orgainsed by the district unit on Sunday in connection with the coming parliament elections.
In the meeting, he asked party men to wear a turban with the message "My vote not for sale" as a measure to create awareness and prevent voting rights becoming a commodity for sale.
The PMK leader urged the state to close TASMAC shops immediately because liquor retail outlets are leading to the youth power of Tamil Nadu being wasted.
He said youth become liquor addicts rather than achievers because of TASMAC shops run by the state.
