Women have the power to bring change in Tamil Nadu, says PMK founder Ramadoss

PMK founder Ramadoss emphasizes women's power in Tamil Nadu, highlighting party's achievements and plans for change.

Women have the power to bring about change in Tamil Nadu, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder S. Ramadoss said on Tuesday, during a party meeting held in a marriage hall at Steel Plant. Party president Anbumani Ramadoss was also present during the meeting.

The PMK is a party that thinks and works for the people, said Ramadoss, and instructed party cadre who were at the meeting to emphasise the party’s achievements to voters, especially female voters, since they outnumber male voters. “Women, if they have the will, can bring about change in the state, and their votes can save Tamil Nadu. The PMK will ensure education for the poor, and has higher principles compared to other parties,” Dr. Ramadoss said.

People from all castes and religions should get their due reservation, he said, adding that PMK got reservations for all people, not only for Vanniyars. He also blamed drugs and liquor for the crimes in the State. “Liquor is being sold on every street, and the PMK has various ideas to eradicate drugs. If the government follows the PMK’s suggestions, drugs will be eradicated in three months. The party released a book 25 years ago on alternative ways to earn revenue instead of relying on liquor,” he added.

Speaking during the meeting, former Union Minister Anbumani Ramadoss said that while the PMK was part of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, Dr. Ramadoss would participate in the parties’ meetings. “In 2006, he told UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi that the PMK would not remain in the alliance if it did not provide 27% reservation for OBCs. Later that day, Ms. Sonia Gandhi announced 27% reservation for OBCs in educational institutions across the country. The DMK remained silent. If Dr. Ramadoss had not spoken in that meeting, this would not have been possible,” Mr. Anbumani added.