TVK stands for secularism, social justice; posts not given on caste basis: Tamil Nadu minister Ramesh
Tiruchirappalli, May 23
Tamil Nadu Minister Ramesh on Saturday said that the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam-led government stands for secularism and social justice, asserting that ministerial positions and electoral victories in the state were not determined by caste identity.
Speaking to reporters during the 1351st Sathaya festival celebrations of Emperor Perumpidugu Mutharaiyar in Tiruchirappalli, Ramesh credited the leadership of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay for the party's electoral success.
"TVK stands for secularism and social justice. Neither me nor Deputy Speaker Ravi Shankar received votes based on caste identity, but because of the leadership of the Chief Minister," Ramesh said.
He further stated that people connected with the Chief Minister beyond caste and religious lines. "People viewed the Chief Minister as one among their own family members beyond caste and religion, and the same perception extended to party candidates and ministers. No posts were given based on caste considerations," he added.
On the occasion of the festival, Ramesh, Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board Chairman Ku Pa Krishnan, State Assembly Deputy Speaker Ravi Shankar, and other government and administrative officials paid floral tributes to the statue of Emperor Perumpidugu Mutharaiyar at Othakadai in Trichy.
The remarks come amid recent cabinet expansion exercises undertaken by the TVK-led government in Tamil Nadu. On Friday, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) MLA Vanni Arasu and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) MLA AM Shahjahan were sworn in as ministers in the Tamil Nadu government.
Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office during a ceremony held at Lok Bhavan in Chennai.
The induction of the two legislators followed the recommendation of Chief Minister Vijay as the government continued expanding its cabinet after assuming office.
Earlier this week, the state government also allocated portfolios to 23 ministers, with Tamil Nadu becoming the second state in the country after Kerala to establish a dedicated Artificial Intelligence department at the cabinet level.
— ANI
Reader Comments
TVK seems to be doing genuinely good work. The AI department news is very progressive! But talk is cheap - I'd love to see actual data on representation of all communities in these ministerial posts. Social justice means more than just words, it means policy and action on ground.
As someone who follows Indian politics from the US, this is refreshing. Many state governments in India still operate on caste calculations. If TVK can truly break that cycle and still maintain social justice, it would be a model for other states. But why mention 'posts not given on caste basis' at a Mutharaiyar festival? Bit ironic, no? 🤔
Am I the only one noticing the timing? This statement came at a Mutharaiyar festival, which is a backward community event. The CM is a superstar, no doubt, but politicians always use such platforms to send signals. Credibility will be built over time, not in one press conference. Let's see if the next cabinet expansion keeps the same promise.
I don't get why secularism and social justice are always tied together in Indian politics. They are separate concepts. But if TVK is genuinely promoting both without caste-based reservations in posts, that's a big deal. Tamil Nadu politics has been so caste-ridden for decades. Maybe this new leadership can actually change things. Let's hope! 🕊️
Honestly, I want to believe this. But having grown up in TN, I've heard similar promises from every new party that comes to power. The issue is not just about who gets posts -
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.