Following the report by Dinamalar in which it stated that the Central government is mulling over the option of creating a separate Kongu Nadu, debates and discussions on the topic has begun with the idea getting both supporters and naysayers.
In this light, Best Ramasamy, a prominent textile manufacturer and the President of Kongu Munnetra Kazhagam President, in a press meet said that Kongu region (comprising of 10-11 districts in Western Tamil Nadu) should be made a separate state for administrative convenience.
He also alleged that subsequent governments in Tamil Nadu have done nothing for the area except for collecting revenue from the region. He said that 66% of the tax revenue goes to the Government of Tamil Nadu from these 11 districts of Kongu region while the region remains neglected adding that creation of a separate state would lead to development of the region.
“We’ve been making the request since 1976. We want the Kongu region to prosper. The Kongu Nadu demand is not just for the Gounder community but for every one in the region. We are not asking for a separate country but for a separate state which the Indian Constitution allows.” he said pointing out that Dr. Ramadoss, the head of PMK had been placing the demand for a separate ‘Vada Thamizhagam’ (Northern Tamil Nadu).
He also said that the 10.5% internal quota for Vanniyars was wrong and that reservation should be given on economic grounds.
“We will strengthen the demand for Kongu Nadu by bringing all communities together. We have petitioned the Central government regarding the request and we are hoping to meet the Prime Minister soon”, he said.
(With inputs from Simplicity)
Click here to subscribe to The Commune on Telegram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.