PMK enters 25th year

 As the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) entered its 25th year of existence (July 16, 2013), its founder-leader S. Ramadoss vowed to put an end to the rule of Dravidian parties in the State after the Assembly elections in 2016.

          He said that, the PMK broadened its base when it contested elections alone between 1989 and 1996. But its growth stagnated after it allied with the Dravidian parties. It would stick to its decision to lead an alliance rather than join hands with any major regional or national party.

The PMK was established on July 16, 1989, after the Vanniyar Sangam, its parent organisation, succeeded in securing 20 per cent reservation for Most Backward Classes (MBCs) as a result of a prolonged struggle.

The PMK emerged a key player in the State’s politics after it closed ranks with the AIADMK-BJP combine in the 1998 Lok Sabha polls. It proved to be a promising start for a regional party as it could enter the Union Cabinet.

The AIADMK’s decision to pull out of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led to a snap poll in 1999. But the PMK chose to remain in the BJP’s company, and the DMK also joined the combination. In the 2004 Lok 

Sabha polls, both the DMK and PMK switched camps and became part of the Congress-led UPA at the Centre. Dr. Ramadoss’ son Anbumani was inducted into the Union Cabinet as minister for Health and Family Welfare.

 Dr. Ramadoss, normally known for playing his cards cleverly, made two moves that cost him severely. The first was his decision to face the 2009 Lok Sabha polls along with the AIADMK-Left alliance. The decision came a cropper and it was routed in all the seven seats it contested. By the time Tamil Nadu was ready for the Assembly polls in 2011, Dr. Ramadoss decided to join the DMK, whose regime had become highly unpopular in the wake of allegations of land grabbing and the 2G spectrum scam. The DMK was reduced to the third position in the Assembly with 23 seats while the PMK had to be content with just three seats.

Even though he played a role in goading the government to bring in a common curriculum in schools in Tamil Nadu, successfully prevented agricultural lands being converted into industrial corridors and satellite towns and waging a relentless struggle for total prohibition, the PMK could not expand its base beyond its traditional turf.

He remained a bridge between the Dalits and intermediate communities, particularly the Vanniyar, in the Northern district. He talked about a pan-Tamil identity, the Sri Lankan Tamil cause, Tamil language, but ultimately had to fall back on his traditional plank of Vanniyar mobilisation. It remains to be seen whether his new strategy will be a trump card.

But the recent Dharmapuri caste violence and his speech on inter-caste marriages made outrages in the State. The State Government headed by Jayalalithaa blamed PMK is the responsible for the recent caste violence in the State and filed several cases against PMK. PMK also made it clear that it will not alliance with any Dravidian parties in the upcoming general elections.

Let’s wait and watch where PMK goes?

Political Parties in Tamil Nadu:-

#	Party	Formed in
1	DMK	1949
2	AIADMK	1972
3	VCK	1972
4	PMK	1989
5	MDMK	1994
6	DMDK	2005

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EC rejects derecognise of PMK

Jaya warns PMK party of ban

Jaya blames PMK; warns of strict action

Jaya warns PMK party of a ban

            As violence continued to mar many places in the State even after the release of PMK leader S. Ramadoss from jail, the government would not hesitate to ban any political party that indulged in violence, created a law and order problem, damaged public property and disturbed peace, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa said in the Assembly. She also said steps would be taken to recover from the PMK the cost of the damage to public property under the Tamil Nadu Public Property (Prevention of Damage and Loss) Act, 1992.

She said that, the government would calculate the damage and take steps to recover the amount from the PMK. Accusing the PMK of resorting to violent methods instead of expressing its views through democratic means and functioning contrary to what was expected of a political party, she said her government would not tolerate the illegal activities of the PMK and would invoke the Goondas Act and National Security Act (NSA) against perpetrators of violence and their instigators.

Recalling the developments that led to the arrest of PMK leaders including Dr Ramadoss, his son and former Union Minister Anbumani Ramadoss and the detention of PMK MLA Katuvetti J. Guru under the NSA, Ms Jayalalithaa said public property worth crores of rupees had been destroyed in the violence unleashed by the PMK men.

Sixteen vehicles, including 14 buses, were burnt and a driver died of burn injuries. A driver and a passenger were killed in stone-throwing incidents and 11 others were injured. A total of 853 vehicles were damaged. Moreover, 120 trees were felled and another 45 trees were burnt. She said, on the one hand, he is claiming to plant trees under the banner of Pasumai Thayagam, a non-government organisation, and on the other, he is destroying them. It is a classic case of the devil quoting the scripture.

Recalling Dr Ramadoss’ message to his party cadres that neither he nor his party workers could be cowed down by the repressive measures, Ms Jayalalithaa wondered whether his remarks would amount to saying that the PMK men would not tire of throwing stones and petrol bombs and damaging property. She said by insisting that the struggle would continue, both Dr Ramadoss and his son were actually instigating violence. That is why violence continues even after Dr Ramadoss was released on bail. Buses were stoned and vehicles damaged.

The Chief Minister said that bus transport was severely hit on the national and State highways in the night. In Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Vellore, Kancheepuram, Namakkal, Dharmapuri, Thanjavur and Nagapattinam districts, 1,601 route buses were not operated on May 1. The government strengthened security measures, but at night, 2,267 routes were not operated because of security reasons.

            However legal experts felt the threat to ban PMK was a mere posturing as the state had no power to ban parties. But the PMK could be in trouble as there was enough evidence of violence to justify a ban on its parent body, the Vanniyar Sangam. It’s well within the powers of the State government. States have no powers to ban political parties. They can only recommend to the Centre the banning of certain movements and outfits, which they suspect could be involved in fundamentalist and terrorist activities.

Peace Vs PMK
The warning by the Chief Minister Jayalalithaa to ban political outfits that resort to violence in the state has attracted differing opinions over the state’s power to ban an organisation. TN has banned several outfits since the early 1990s. Here’s a look into it some important org, that was banned.	Liberation of Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)in 1992
	TN Liberation Army, a wing of the TN Communist Party (Marxist-Lenin), 2002
	Tamil Nadu Retrieval Troops, banned in 2001
	All India Al-Jihad Committee and Al Umma banned in 1998

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Jaya blames PMK ; warns of strict action

PMK men violate shore temple sancity

PMK leaders arrested

EC rejects derecognise of PMK

EC rejects derecognise of PMK

Rejecting the demands from certain quarters to de-recognise the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) for allegedly promoting “casteism and hatred among various communities”, the Election Commission has made it clear that it had no such powers or provisions to do the same on this charge during the non-election time, even if the allegation is true. Of course, during poll, when the model code of conduct is in force, the Commission, based on the evidences, can issue notice and seek explanation if any such complaint is received. It can even withdraw the recognition if any party fails to fall in line with the directions of the Commission and continue to violate MCC (Model Code of Conduct) provisions.

A political party’s recognition could be withdrawn during the non-poll time – under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) order, 1968 – only on other issues like not getting a certain percentage of votes/certain number of MLAs, MPs during general elections to the Legislative Assembly/Lok Sabha, and failing to abide by the lawful directions of the Commission. Even not upholding democracy in the party set up or failure to file the mandatory accounts/expenditure of the organisation could also attract de-recognition after the Commission issues notice and not satisfied with the reply.

The official pointed out that the Commission had very little role to play with regard to the allegations like “promoting enmity between communities, castes” vis-a-vis demand for withdrawing recognition of political parties. It is for the other enforcement agencies to pursue such complaints. Withdrawal of recognition to a political party mean that the party will not be invited for the meeting of the representatives of the recognised political parties, convened by the Commission, withdrawing its allotted poll symbol, and such party cannot enjoy other privileges and facilities given by the Commission to the recognised parties.

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PMK men violate shore temple sancity

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PMK men violate Shore Temple sancity

The sanctity of the Shore Temple at Mamallapuram was violated last Thursday (April 25, 2013) when thousands of PMK cadres clambered on to it and hoisted flags of the party and Vanniyar Sangham. In the process, the structure of the seventh century AD monument, one of 32 at the World Heritage site, could have been weakened. The fences were uprooted, and the lawn and entrance gate damaged, sources in the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) said.

PMK supporters had gathered at the Shore Temple for a public meeting as part of the annual Vanniyar Sangham conference that coincides with Chitra Pournami. ASI sources said it had the authority to give or refuse permission only within the site area. The conference was conducted on the southern end of the World Heritage site.

The structure of the shore temple has weakened due to years of onslaught from sea wind. Dozens of Vanniyar Sangham workers and PMK men walked all over the premises, climbed up the temple and hoisted six flags. During last year’s conference, they acted in a similar fashion at the temple. Ms. G. Maheshwari, superintending archaeologist, ASI (Chennai Circle), told that, they have written to the DGP about the damage to the structure.

On April 15, the ASI (Chennai Circle) had written to the Kancheepuram revenue and police authorities seeking adequate police protection for the monuments on the day of the conference. The ASI said the police and the District Collector did not provide adequate security. Only six policemen were deployed. Even they were withdrawn at around 11 a.m. for duty elsewhere in the district.

ASI sources said that at around 11 a.m, thousands of PMK men forcibly entered the premises by breaking the lock on the Shore Temple gate. A team led by A.Jellani Bashir, senior conservation archaeologist, rushed to the spot and requested the men to leave. They, however, engulfed the temple premises. ASI official said that, officials had to stop issuing tickets to tourists as the entire temple was filled with PMK men. They also hoisted their party flag on the Pallava-era lighthouse, a protected monument and part of the heritage site.

Related links:-

Jaya blames PMK and warns of strict action

Jaya's statement on PMK's caste violence in Assembly (in Tamil)

Jayalalithaa blames PMK, warns of strict action

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa warned that her government would not tolerate violence, would take stringent action and show no mercy to those who instigated innocent people on communal lines for their selfish agenda. Replying to a special calling attention motion moved by the Opposition in the Assembly on violent incidents that took place in Marakkanam, the Chief Minister said she would invoke preventive detention laws against those who disturb harmony and peace in the society.

Vanniyar Sangam leader and Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) floor leader Kaduvetti J. Guru, who had earlier abstained from attending the current session of the House, was present and expressed his points. But many of his remarks were expunged.

Violence broke out on April 25, the day of Chitra Pournami, when the PMK and Vanniyar Sangam organised youth festival in Mamallapuram. A Vanniyar Sangam vehicle allegedly hit a motorcycle, driven by a Dalit of Marakkanam. A mob set fire to the houses of six Dalits.

Besides announcing Rs. 25,000 each to the families of three persons who died in the incidents, the Chief Minister said green house would be constructed for the Dalits who houses were burnt by the violent mob.

Chief Minister Jayalalithaa held the organisers of the event responsible for the untoward incidents, alleging that they threw to the wind, the undertakings that had been given to the police and violated the law. Ms. Jayalalithaa said though the organisers were told to end the meeting by 10 pm, PMK founder S. Ramadoss addressed the gathering at 11.30 p.m.

She also added that, Mr. Ramadoss declared that he has started at 11.30 (p.m.) and dared the police to file case against him. His request has been accepted and we have filed a case. I hope he will be ready to face the punishment.

Ms. Jayalalithaa wondered how Dr. Ramadoss could guide the youth when there were posters in praise of sandalwood smuggler Veerappan and most of the participants were in a drunken mood. She asked, whether he wants the youth to follow Veerappan?... On one hand he is demanding total prohibition. But majority of the youths were in drunken mood.

The Chief Minister alleged that the ancient monuments in Mamallapuram were also not spared by the participants. She then went on to quote the report of the Superintending Archaeologist that “monuments have been subjected to virtual harassment by the local groups and public who have gained forceful entry.” “The monument has been exposed to vandalism and destruction”.

Ms. Jayalalithaa said though police denied permission to these events, the organisers approached the High Court and obtained permission by giving an undertaking to abide by the instructions of the police. She said , the High Court also granted permission without taking into account their background and antecedents.

The Tamil Nadu CM is 100% Right when she says “The High Court also granted permission without taking into account their background and antecedents,” she said.

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Related link:

PMK men violate shore temple sancity

Jaya's full speech in TN Assembly on caste violence by PMK (in Tamil)