Palaniswami alleges Stalin opposes caste census in Tamil Nadu

Former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami criticized current Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for refusing to conduct a caste census in Tamil Nadu. He made these remarks after a function in Omalur, where many joined the AIADMK party. Palaniswami said a one-man commission was set up during his tenure from 2016 to 2021 to collect data on castes and tribes. He claimed the DMK government, which took over in 2021, did not extend the Commission's tenure. He accused the government of delaying the census for various reasons. He also commented on a Joint Action Committee meeting organized by the Chief Minister, stating it was an attempt to distract from the DMK's failures over the past four years. Palaniswami suggested that the matter of caste census should be addressed in Parliament instead. The former Chief Minister pointed out issues of corruption, mentioning a ₹1,000-crore fraud linked to the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation. He stated that corruption was widespread throughout the state. Palaniswami clarified that claims about the AIADMK stopping a leave system for teachers were misleading, as COVID-19 had made it impossible to grant leave. Looking ahead, Palaniswami said the AIADMK would consider restoring the Old Pension Scheme for government employees in its 2026 election manifesto, depending on the state's finances. He denied media claims that the BJP was pressuring the AIADMK to bring back expelled party members, asserting that the AIADMK is functioning well. Regarding the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, he said the party would clarify its position once the election notification is issued. He reaffirmed the AIADMK's stance on alliances, emphasizing that alliances are strategic and do not change a party's core ideology. He criticized the DMK for not effectively handling crime and safety issues in the state.