CPI protests over L. Murugan's remarks on ST status for Malayali community in Erode
The protest was led by CPI district committee member K. Ramasamy, with North district secretary S. Mohan Kumar and others joining in. They criticised Mr. Murugan's claim that the Tamil Nadu government had failed to pass a legislative resolution— a prerequisite, he asserted, for granting ST status.
Protesters pointed out that while Malayali people across Tamil Nadu have been recognised as STs and issued certificates, those in Bargur and Kadambur Hills remain classified under 'Others.' As a result, they are denied access to ST-specific benefits in education, employment, and welfare schemes. The community has been seeking ST status for over five decades.
Tiruppur MP K. Subbarayan has raised the issue multiple times in Parliament. In response, the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs stated that a recommendation from the State government was required. The State has since submitted the proposal, which is currently under review by the Centre.
The CPI urged the Centre to introduce and pass the necessary legal amendment during the ongoing Parliament session to grant ST status to Malayalis in Erode district without further delay.
The party slammed Mr. Murugan's claim regarding the need for a State Assembly resolution, calling it a diversionary tactic aimed at delaying the process and shifting blame onto the State government. They noted that neither Parliamentary discussions nor official communications from the Union Ministry had ever cited such a requirement. Mr. Murugan's remarks, they said, were misleading and served only to deflect attention from the Centre's responsibility.
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