Rural Development Minister I. Periyasamy highlighted the DMK government’s welfare initiatives and Vanniyar community benefits during an event distributing property rights to marginalized women in Dindigul.
He noted that in 1989, former Chief Minister Karunanidhi announced 20% reservation for Vanniyars upon assuming power, with the community currently benefiting from 13% within that quota.
Despite COVID-19 challenges and a Rs 60,000 crore revenue deficit left by AIADMK, over one crore women received property rights under DMK rule. In 1.5 years, 2 lakh houses were built, with Rs 2,000 crore spent on renovating 1 lakh homes and constructing 25,000 new ones.
The previous AIADMK regime built 23,000 km of village roads over 10 years, a record matched by current efforts.
The 1987 Vanniyar protests led to the 1989 creation of the Most Backward Classes (MBC) category with 20% reservation, including Vanniyars alongside other local communities.
Though Vanniyars now demand 10.5% separate quota, Minister Periyasamy stated they receive 13% of the 20% MBC share, supported by data. Southern districts’ communities like Mukulathor, Bramalaikallar, and Maravar get minimal benefits from it.
BJP-ruled states fail to implement welfare schemes properly, while people trust Chief Minister Stalin’s promises over BJP criticisms.