Tamil Nadu Speaker Appavu strongly criticized DMK Minister Raja Kannappan ironically in-charge of Backward Classes Welfare, for his remarks during the caste census debate in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. He also cautioned all ministers to exercise care in their statements.
Earlier, PMK MLA G K Mani urged the Tamil Nadu government to conduct a caste-based census. In response, Chief Minister MK Stalin suggested that such a census should first be mandated by the Central government nationwide before it could be implemented in Tamil Nadu. He directed MLA Mani to support a resolution urging the Central government to conduct this census.
In this regard, Minister Raja Kannappan’s remarks on 25 June 2024 about the caste census has sparked considerable controversy during the debate. Speaker Appavu promptly interrupted when Minister Raja Kannappan used a contentious term while discussing reservations for Reddiyar community. The Speaker promptly ordered to expunged those remarks from the assembly record and reminded ministers of the importance of speaking responsibly, given the live broadcast of Assembly proceedings.
Minister Raja Kannappan said, “How much is 30 out of 50 percent? 30 percent, of which 3.5 percent for Muslims…“. At this point, Minister K N Nehru intervened and said, “Change the Reddiars to the Backward Community.” Minister Raja Kannappan sarcastically commented, “We will not change it. Why should we change it for Reddiyars? Everyone in Reddiyars are earning well by running hotels.”
ரெட்டியாருக்கு சலுகை எதுக்கு? நக்கல் பேச்சால் வந்த வம்பு! பணிந்த அமைச்சர் ராஜகண்ணப்பன்! #TNAssembly #TNAssembly2024 #CasteCensus #RajaKannappan #DMK #NewsTamil24x7 pic.twitter.com/dH85QSmkpG
— News Tamil 24×7 (@NewsTamilTV24x7) June 27, 2024
When the DMK minister’s speech was broadcast live, it provoked strong backlash from the Reddiyar community due to what they perceived as a disrespectful remark. Members of the community shared the clip internally via WhatsApp, leading to widespread outrage. Some members recorded audio messages condemning the remark and calling for protests.
Against this backdrop, Thurayur Kamaraj, representing the Reddiyar community, released an audio statement, expressing dismay over Minister Rajakannappan’s comment. He remarked, “He (Raja Kannappan) has spoken about Reddiyars on the go, finished with such words. It’s disgusting to think whether we should address him as honourable. The mind is angry. We are all downtrodden people, daily labours. There’s no permanent work. We do not have any government recognition. It does not matter even if there is no basic reservation, but speaking about the community with such words and that too in the Assembly, do you know about honor minister?”
Previously, Minister Rajakannappan faced accusations of making derogatory remarks based on caste towards a BDO officer, which led to his dismissal from his prior department before assuming the current role as Minister of Backward Castes Welfare.
On June 27, 2024, Minister Rajakannappan explained, “During my speech in the Assembly that day, it was mistakenly perceived that I referred specifically to the Reddiyar community. I did not mention any community in particular. There have been requests for inclusion in the backward classes. Further discussions will be held in consultation with the Chief Minister. I want to clarify unequivocally that I did not intend to offend any community, especially the Reddiyar community. The government is committed to addressing social issues constructively. We must recognize that we are all part of one society. Let there be no misunderstanding regarding my remarks about our societal unity. Our policy aims for a caste-free society. I assure you, no one’s sentiments were intended to be hurt.”
(With inputs from Dinamalar)
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