Chennai, Apr 4:
In a significant political announcement ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, Edappadi K. Palaniswami has assured that a caste-based census will be conducted in Tamil Nadu if the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam returns to power.
The AIADMK general secretary made this statement while addressing party cadres, positioning the move as a step towards ensuring equitable distribution of welfare benefits and strengthening social justice.
Criticising the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government, EPS alleged that it had failed to take meaningful action on the long-pending demand for caste enumeration.
He argued that accurate caste data is essential for policy planning, particularly in a state like Tamil Nadu, where reservation and welfare schemes are deeply linked to social composition.
The AIADMK leader reiterated that his party remains committed to safeguarding the interests of all communities through data-driven governance.