For all the tall claims of the Dravidian Model being based on the premised of social justice, casteism remains deeply entrenched in the political landscape of Tamil Nadu.
Gauri Maharajan, originally from Muthuvanthidal near Thirupuvanam in Sivagangai District, hails from the Scheduled Caste community, serves as the head of the Panchayat Council. Meanwhile, Rajkumar, a member of the backward class within the same panchayat, holds the position of secretary. Allegations have surfaced suggesting discriminatory treatment towards Gauri Maharajan due to her caste background, purportedly manifested by Rajkumar’s actions. Specifically, it’s claimed that during a general meeting of the Panchayat Council, Rajkumar prevented Gauri Maharajan from occupying the chair designated for the council chairman.
Deeply perturbed by this incident, Gauri Maharajan has lodged a formal complaint with the District Collector, urging swift action against Rajkumar, the Panchayat Council Secretary. Furthermore, Gauri Maharajan has expressed her intent to step down from her position if no action be taken against Rajkumar. This incident has stirred significant unrest within the local community.
When questioned about these allegations, Rajkumar denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the accusations were baseless. Interestingly, amidst various accusations, Rajkumar was transferred, eventually leading to the appointment of Maharajan as the new Panchayat Secretary of Muthuvanthidal . Subsequently, Gauri Maharajan, accompanied by 50 villagers, visited the district collector’s office to lodge a formal complaint, urging appropriate action against Rajkumar.
பட்டியலின ஊராட்சித் தலைவரை இருக்கையில் அமரவிடாமல் மிரட்டல் விடுத்ததாக புகார்! pic.twitter.com/lqDEXMhBbU
— @JuniorVikatan (@JuniorVikatan) May 14, 2024
Another occurrence in Pudukottai on 14 May 2024 involves Manimuthu, who serves as the president of the Thirunalur Panchayat Council affiliated with DMK. After the panchayat building, which he had overseen for half a century, suffered damage, a contract was arranged for the construction of a new structure following the District Collector’s directive. However, during the construction process, it was reported that a group of individuals, including Thennalur Palaniappan, the Deputy Secretary of the DMK Literary wing in Pudukkottai District, obstructed the work.
When questioned about the obstruction, Palaniappan allegedly responded with derogatory remarks, insinuating that Manimuthu, despite being elected, lacked legitimacy to lead in their vicinity. Upon learning of this, residents of Thirunalur united to petition for the reconstruction of the building at its original location. Subsequently, tensions escalated on the 5th of the month, with Manimuthu, Palaniappan, and their supporters engaging in verbal altercations laced with caste-based insults. Despite filing a complaint immediately at the Iluppur Police Station, no action was taken, prompting Manimuthu to approach the District Collector and District Superintendent of Police for redress. However, the District Collector allegedly refused to receive their petition. Manimuthu, along with other community leaders, demanded swift government intervention and condemned the violence, stressing the urgent need for justice and accountability.
Just a week ago, on May 9th, another female head of a local governing body filed a complaint at the Swamimalai police station. She demanded action against those responsible for defacing the name banner on the Kadichambadi Panchayat office in the Kumbakonam circle.
Malarkodi Srinivasan, aged 49, affiliated with the AIADMK, serves as the Chairman of the Kadichambadi Panchayat Council. The inauguration of the newly constructed Panchayat Council office opened on 10 August 2023, Subsequently, Malarkodi’s name was prominently displayed on the office facade. However, due to restrictions during the Lok Sabha elections, her name was temporarily obscured. Following the conclusion of electoral proceedings, when Malarkodi unveiled her name, it was discovered that it had been tampered with. As a result, Malarkodi, the Panchayat Council President, lodged a complaint at the Swamimalai police station. She expressed frustration, stating, “After five decades in Kadichabadi, I hold the position of a marginalized woman leading the Panchayat. However, I face social barriers hindering my authority.”
Srinivasan alleged that her name was deliberately erased by N. Sivabalan, the Vice President of the Panchayat affiliated with the PMK, and M. Selvakumar, a former Panchayat Council President affiliated with the DMK. Additionally, she claimed that they circulated derogatory messages about her on WhatsApp, tarnishing her reputation. Consequently, she urged authorities to take appropriate action against the perpetrators.
The situation underscores broader issues of social injustice in Tamil Nadu, with incidents like the contamination of drinking water tanks and continued violence against marginalized communities further exacerbating tensions. The lack of response from authorities, including the failure to register FIRs, has drawn strong criticism from advocacy groups like the Ambedkar People’s Movement, who insist on immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.
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