Tamil Nadu Minister K Ponmudy stirs row over casteist remarks

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When listing out the pride of the “Dravidian Model” at an event, Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister K Ponmudy generated controversy when he asked a Mugaiyur Panchayat leader “You are from the downtrodden community right? You are from SC right?”

It has been a week since DMK MP A Raja’s comments on Hinduism stirred controversy. Another issue has erupted as a result of the DMK minister’s remarks, which have been widely condemned on social media by netizens. Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister Ponmudy was outlining the successes and pride of the ‘Dravidian Model’ at a government function in Villupuram. He said that women’s reservations are due to the Dravidian Model.

He further said that earlier, women were suppressed in many ways but the “Dravidian Model” wants to give equal opportunity to women. He also said that the “Dravidian Model” provides equal opportunity to both men and women.

The controversy arose when the minister said, “See who is the chairman for this village? This ‘Amma’.” At that time, he asked the Mugaiyur Panchayat woman leader who was also on stage that “You are from a downtrodden community right? You are ST right?”

Later, people condemned Ponmudy’s comments on stage and raised questions about how the minister can ask about someone’s caste on stage. Dalit activists also sought an apology from the minister.

Dalit activist Shalin Maria Lawrence took to Twitter and reacted, “Minister Ponmudy should apologise for insulting Dalits. What a shame! The Dravidian Model has been corrupted by these casteist men. DMK leaders have always proved that they are not progressive in any way.

Dalits in important positions is a Constitutional remedy. I really don’t know how DMK thinks that they have ‘gifted’ the positions to us like alms”.

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