Ramadoss should reject BJP and ‘politics of hate', promote peace between the Vanniyars and the Dalits, says VCK MP
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi general secretary and Villupuram MP D. Ravikumar has urged PMK founder S. Ramadoss to reject the BJP and the 'politics of hate' to protect peace and promote development in northern districts of Tamil Nadu, where the Vanniyars and the Scheduled Castes live in large numbers.
Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Ravikumar said his appeal to Dr. Ramadoss — which came after the PMK founder spoke fondly of VCK president Thol. Thirumavalavan in an interview — was born out of the concern that Dr. Ramadoss and the PMK should not 'inadvertently' aid the growth of the BJP in Tamil Nadu.
'The Vanniyars and the Scheduled Castes are two largest communities in the northern districts. If Dr. Ramadoss rejects the BJP, the national party would find it impossible to form a government in the State. It cannot win [in elections] without taking root in the northern districts,' he said.
While Mr. Thirumavalavan had repeatedly rejected any alliance with the PMK or the BJP, Mr. Ravikumar said his appeal to Dr. Ramadoss should not be seen in the context of the 2026 Assembly election, but in the larger context of ensuring peace and calm in society.
Mr. Ravikumar said Dr. Ramadoss's rejection of hate politics against the Scheduled Castes would pave the way for fraternity and peace among the Vanniyars and the Scheduled Castes in the villages. 'If the PMK ends the politics of hate against the Scheduled Castes, the atrocities against the Scheduled Castes will come down. Those who cause trouble to the Scheduled Castes in villages do so because of the shade of protection given by the PMK,' he said. 'Even in the Melpathi temple issue, it was the PMK's advocate, K. Balu, who spoke in support of the social exclusion of the Scheduled Castes from the temple. If the PMK lets go of this kind of politics, the atrocities will come down automatically,' he felt.
The Villupuram MP added that the 'Vanniyar community has a proud history of playing a leading role in progressive politics in the State — it has been an important part of the Dravidian Movement and the Left politics. The Vanniyars do not harbour as much hate against the Scheduled Castes as other communities in the southern districts. If Dr. Ramadoss softens his stance, the Scheduled Castes in the northern districts can rest easy, and this will result in the overall development of the region.'
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