‘10.5% quota for Vanniyars a provisional arrangement’

Proportional reservation would be provided after collecting caste-wise data, says Panneerselvam

Taking time off from his campaign in Bodinayakkanur where he is contesting for the third successive time, the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) coordinator and Deputy Chief Minister, , on Monday asserted that the 10.5% reservation for Vanniyakula Kshatriyas within 20% quota for Most Backward Classes was “only a provisional arrangement.” After an official panel, entrusted with the task of compiling data on castes, carried out a caste-wise census and submitted its report, castes covered under the 20% quota would be given reservation in proportion to their population. “A law will be enacted in this regard,” he pointed out. In a freewheeling interview the 70-year-old AIADMK leader also touched upon other aspects such as any change in his position on the Sasikala factor, prospects of the AIADMK-led alliance in the election and the DMK’s charge against his party being a “B” team of the BJP. Edited excerpts: