IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI -...

30
CHAPTER - IV IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI An ideology is a belief system or ideas, chardcteristics of d person or a group or a party etc., especially as form~ng the basis of an economlc or socinl or political r!7rtern.' Generally ideologies rrndnate iwtu.rtv .In\, two reference groups where in one group enjoys thr social or econoniit or political benefit of the society more than its contribution to thrb helfdr~. of the society, and the other group feels deprived of the sdnie tvnefits, 7 while contributing to the welfare of the societ\. much more.* In c,oursc> of time, a charismatic leader or a powerful orgdnisation chdnipions, the cause of the oppressed. The basis of espousing thr' 1-ailst* forms an ideology. For the ledder of CI pdrt\? orgcinisntion which champions the cause of a socinll\~ hackward [~nd economically exploited group, a thorough invest~gd tion of the 1. Epstein, L.D. 1 Partiesew Yorh : 1967, p.106. 2. Converse, P.E. 'The Nature Belief S\~stenis of hlass Publ~cs' Dav~d Apter (Ed) Ideolop;\l and Discontent, Kew. York : Free Press, 1965, pp.206-261.

Transcript of IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI -...

Page 1: IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI - Shodhgangashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/85152/8/subra_chapter4.pdf · ideology of pattali makkal katchi An ideology is a belief system

CHAPTER - IV IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI

An ideology is a belief system or ideas, chardcteristics of d person

or a group or a party etc., especially as form~ng the basis of an economlc

or socinl or political r!7rtern.' Generally ideologies rrndnate iwtu.rtv .In\,

two reference groups where in one group enjoys t h r social or econoniit or

political benefit of the society more than its contribution to thrb helfdr~. of

the society, and the other group feels deprived of the sdnie tvnefits,

7 while contributing to the welfare of the societ\. much more.* In c,oursc> of

time, a charismatic leader or a powerful orgdnisation chdnipions,

the cause of the oppressed. The basis of espousing thr' 1-ailst*

forms an ideology. For the ledder of CI pdrt\? orgcinisntion

which champions the cause of a socinll\~ hackward [ ~ n d

economically exploited group, a thorough invest~gd tion of the

1. Epstein, L.D. 1 Partiesew Yorh :

1967, p.106.

2. Converse, P.E. 'The Nature Belief S\~stenis of hlass Publ~cs' Dav~d

Apter (Ed) Ideolop;\l and Discontent, Kew. York : Free Press, 1965,

pp.206-261.

Page 2: IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI - Shodhgangashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/85152/8/subra_chapter4.pdf · ideology of pattali makkal katchi An ideology is a belief system

history of such group is e s~en t i a l .~ The causes for i t s backwardness

have to be analysed . A solution to eliminate the sufferings of the group

has to be proposed. In this process, a clear cut dnd h.ell defined ideolog\.

emerges. In Tamil Nadu the people are generdll! divided ~ n t o thrw

categories. They are namely 1. Forward Castes, 2. Rackh-ard Classes,

3. Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes. Out of these three categor~es

the Forward Castes are naturally sound in wealth and education. 'I'hc!

drc socialI\~ and economicallv well advanced. As d result. the\. 'in1 dblc to

enter the government service very easil!. by dint of their merit, without

dnv s t~tutory privileges or concessions. The schecl ulcd caste nnd

scheduled tribes are socially backward and ec~nornic~~ll!, e\ploitt.cl

communities. They lack education and wenlth. Sn the\. could not tanter

government service. But Dr. Anlhedkdr taught for their cdustl dnd

brought about many changes in the constitution. The\ <ire glvcn muc11

concessions and privileges. Under the reservation sten^ en^, the. art. ablt~ to

get government jobs. But the second category of the pt~ople ionipr~sing

nearlv 213 castes lack both education and wedlth. C)f ldte d certain section

3. Thandavan. R. All India Anna Drd\,~dc~ Alunnetra Kazhn~dn~ :

Political Dvnamism in Tamil Nadu, Tdmil N n d u Acadenl! of

Political Science, Madras,l987, p.7

Page 3: IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI - Shodhgangashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/85152/8/subra_chapter4.pdf · ideology of pattali makkal katchi An ideology is a belief system

121

of the group got concessions from the Government and pushed the

others to the rear4 Vanniyar Communih was one among the other

communities listed in the Backward class. PMK under the dl nanuc

leadership of Dr. S. Ramadoss lughlighted hok soclal jusbcc wds dcn~ td

to the Backward classes for the last for0 vears. Its maln alm 1s not on\\ to

uplift the Vannlya community but all the oppressed hdck~ard cldsses,

and m~nority people. A detailed analysls of thc ~ d e o l o p ot PhlK would

provide clues for better understanding. The ideolog~es of P h l K art3

class~f~ed into two namely 1. Social ldeologv 2. Eronom~c ldeologr .

SOCIAL IDEOLOGY

EDUCATION

The Social Ideology of PMK aims at provid~ng educ-dt~on to thc

community, women's liberation, introduction of prohih~tion, elimination

of untouchabilitv, reservation, separation of relig~on froni politics and

settling of language issue in judicious and nmicdble manner. Education

wakes up slumbering people. PMK stands for providing compulson.,

secular and free education to all up to 15 of dge. The founder of

4. The Election Manifesto of PMK, 1st Xovember, 1989.

Page 4: IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI - Shodhgangashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/85152/8/subra_chapter4.pdf · ideology of pattali makkal katchi An ideology is a belief system

122

PMK laments on the fact that though it h a s prov~ded In Arhcle 45 of the

Indian consititution that compulson~ and free educat~on h as to be glven

to all u p to 14 years of age within a per~od of ten \'ears, ~t has not

materialised so far. It is unfortunate that the Bdchhdrd clas5es rcmdln

uneducated and ill-treated to a larger e ~ t e n t . ~ So, P11K demands thdt

the major portion of income of the Government should ht- sptmt hmith

a view to providing primary education to maximum number ot people.

Even the nursery schools should be totall\, run b\ thc C;o\~ernnlent. ?'he

dim of secondary education should be modified in order to rn'ihc one to

realise its potential so as to settle his life s u c ~ e s s t u l l ~ ~ . ~ Tht. c.olIrgitltc

educdtlon should focus on research and ~nnovdt~on In dlffcrent trclds

especially agriculture, industry, adrn~n~s t ra t~on , culturc dnd soc~al

ad\.nncement.7 PhlK is cogn~sant of the ne,thnp<sr* .~nd c\,ll\ of srlf

financing educational institutions . So it wants that t h e Govcrnnient

should take over all of them. Donation of nny hind d t an\- level shoultl not

be collected either in private or in Government institutions. Ph\ls~cal

5. Dinappuratchi ,Tamil Dail!,, dated 14th lull , 1989.

6 . Pattali Makkal Katchi K o l ~ a i Thittangal, ( A Specla1 Brouchure), Madras 1992, p.7

Page 5: IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI - Shodhgangashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/85152/8/subra_chapter4.pdf · ideology of pattali makkal katchi An ideology is a belief system

123

Education should be made a compulson. subject of stud\ for the

development of body and mind. Folk games lihe Chadugudu, Swimming

and Chilambam should be taught to males and f e rnd~rs .~

One of the main reasons for the back^ drdness ot the1 peoplc 15 t t ~ t

they were steeped in superstition and ignordnce. l'hlh: 1 4 s that thc onl\'

solution for the elimination of superst~tron dnd ril le\~~at~on ot

ignorance is the establishment of Peru ar Alnrl-.An1 bed har Lln~\ e r s ~ h

dnd dissemination of their ideals among the people.

The self respect movement and rat~onal~srn ot T-'cri\ ~ i r , ej;dl~tr~r~s~n

and socialistic pattern of society advocated h\ Iiarl 41rirx, thc \c*htlnicnt

attack on supershtion ignorance, ill~terac\ PI 11s ot t d s t ~ 5 \ sten1

launched by Ambedkar have profound rnflucnct~ on thc nillid of

Dr. S. Ran~adoss, the founder of PMK. Theretoro ht> felt t h t t ho riol3le

ldenls of these great personalihes, i f cdrrled to thc. mri5ses In thrvr rrght

perspective, would remedv the evils wldel\ pre~alent In our sot ~ e h and

pave the way for progress.

8. The Dindppuratchi Tamil Dail!., ddted 15th Tul\ , 1989.

Page 6: IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI - Shodhgangashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/85152/8/subra_chapter4.pdf · ideology of pattali makkal katchi An ideology is a belief system

123

LANGUAGE

As regards the language issue, PhlK IS ven. flrm on the

introducbon of mother tongue as the medlum of instruction d t dll le\,cls

compulsorily. The government should glve grdnts-~n-a~d and <ill

concessions only to those institutions which prov~de reg~onal Ic~nguclgc a \

the medium of instruction. 9

A situation has to be created that no one could y,et d dryrcc. ot '111

universih, without studying the regiondl Inngudgc. E.ngl~sh should not be

made a compulsory subject. Both English nnd IIindi dre to hc rnddtl

optiondl which the students should stud!, d t t h e ~ r own cost. As t d r thrl

minorities are concerned, they should be given CI ~ h ~ ~ ~ i c c to I m r n t l i t ~ r

language in addition to the state Ianguagcl only when the!, [lrc. in

considerable number. In accordance with this idcolop,!,, thc c~n t r t ' should

recognise all the state languages, so that ever! stat<, coul(i iontc~c.t thcl

Central Government and the other State Governmrnt through its o w n

ldnguage.10 PMK strongly believes th'lt the ;\r!.nn langungr S.inshr~t,

alien language English and North Indian Innguap,c> Hindi weigh hr~a\fil\,

on the Tamilians in various dimensions. The donlindtion of the Innguages

9. Election Manifesto of PMK, dated 1st Noven~ber, 1989.

10. w.

Page 7: IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI - Shodhgangashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/85152/8/subra_chapter4.pdf · ideology of pattali makkal katchi An ideology is a belief system

125

of Hindi or English over the culturall! and historicall\. based mother

tongue is nothing but sort of an erosion of the culture and heritdge of the

people. Hence PMK considers that the three language torniul'i men tinned

by the so called nationalists and the two langudgc. formula retr\rred to b\

the Dravidian parties would be impediments to the pri\.ilcges Iind

developments of the people. Therefore, the l ingu~s t~c pol~c\- of PhlK is a

policy of unitary policy a t the three levels naniel\. instructi~n~il Ilin!:udy,t.,

official language and associate language.'

In the election manifesto dated 20th Fcbrulir\, 1990, M ~ I I L h M ~ L ,

~ ssued bj. the PMK during the Pond~cherr\ Asseni bl\ elrctlons, 11 ~ r l s

categoricall!. declared that the entrdncc exanl~nat~on conduc tc.d to s c d r c I

students for professional courses should be scrapped ht~cnust~ thtl studtmts

from Backward and Scheduled classes d ~ d not tome up ver\ hell In t11~

entrance examinahon. It is also stated thnt tree bus pdss s l ~ o u l ~ i tw ~ I \ ~ C I I

to the students based on the incomr of the t h c ~ r parents In t h ~

appointment of Principals to the colleges pnonh should tx> given to

Backwdrd classes and Adl-Dravidas. The teacher student ratlc~ should hcb

changed with a view to enhancing the standard of teachlns-lt>arnlnp,.

11. Pattali hlakkal Katchi Kolnai Thittannal, op.cit, p.15

12. Election Manifesto of PMK, dated 20th Februar!, 1990.

Page 8: IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI - Shodhgangashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/85152/8/subra_chapter4.pdf · ideology of pattali makkal katchi An ideology is a belief system

126

Ph4K exhorts on the filling up of vacancies immediately in the educationdl

institutions. The Payment of Universit\, Grdnt Commission scales ot pa\.

to the colleges teachers was stronglv advocated h\. PhlK in the election

manifesto. In short, the ultimate aim of the educdiondl ~deolog! of T'hll;

is to enhance the standard of education and its populdrisdtion dnlong thc

backward classes and ~ d i - ~ r a v i d a s . ' ~

RESERYATION

Reservation in education and emplovment to sociallv neglected

and economically exploited communities has kconic absolutrlv essential

and inevitable in the caste based rigid lndian sociehl, lust ds I'rddc LLnion

rights are considered to be democratic rights of the workers in ~ . ~ i p ~ t a l ~ s t

socieb, reservation on the basis of caste for the oppressed nir~lorih ot thc

people is also a democratic right in the cdstc based Ind~c~n 5ocicgr.

I demdnds that the reservation for Schtdulcd cdstr <ind

Scheduled Tribes should be 20% and for Bachh.drd and L\lost

Backward classes 70% and for other For\\fCird clitsse\ 10%. I4

13. Election Manifesto of PMK, dated 2 n d Februdr!., 1990.

14. b id .

Page 9: IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI - Shodhgangashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/85152/8/subra_chapter4.pdf · ideology of pattali makkal katchi An ideology is a belief system

127

PMK would strive hard to get the resenation on the same ratio at the

state level and at the Central level. The implementation of the hlandal

Commission report should be on adhoc basis. PhlK stresses that the

reservation policy should be put into effect not onl\. In C;o\,crnrntnt

service but also in private local body institutions cind self t~rianc~ng

institutions. The reservations should be made leeall\. teasible accordln~,

to the rdtio of population of the respective caste. \I1hilr ~niplt~nienting tht>

reservation policy in education and employment, a p r t troni thc Gcncral

c~udlifications the following considerations must alsc) be tdhr;an into

account a) People from the rural arras b) L,o~.er income groups

c) Education through mother tongue dtleclst upto ti~gher st.c.ondc~rv

education d) Lnter-Caste married peoplc e ) those ~ ' h o undc>r~,t.nt tnniil\,

planning operations f ) Orphans. 15

In the election manifesto proclainied dur~ng I'ondrcht~rr\ cis~em hl!.

elections 1990 PMK highlighted the need for giifing considcr~tion to the)

families of freedom fighters,widows etc. So reservation polic.!, should

continue until the socio economic conditions of the bdchM,drd cldsse!, <ind

Xdi-Dravidas and the minorities are uplifted.

15. Election Manifesto of PhIK, dated 24th Februdr! , 1990.

Page 10: IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI - Shodhgangashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/85152/8/subra_chapter4.pdf · ideology of pattali makkal katchi An ideology is a belief system

198

RELIGION

As far relegion is concerned Ph.IK stands for secularism ,tnd

advocates complete seperation of religion from pol1t1c.s. \I'hilc. d stdte

should recognise and protect the rights of the people for protc~ssing arrcl

practicing the religion of their choice, it should not nssocidte itself with 'i

particular religion. Religion should be an ind i\,id unl concern. I 'hlk:

condemns communal riots and religious rivdlries mci c-ldshtd In thr. ncinie

of rights for worship. It wants to abolish the rights of an\ one) to hC~\' i> the

weapons in the name of religion. It pleads thr m~norih- r r l~g~ous groups

not to oppose any nation-wide scheme in the interest of generdl ~e l td rc .

It recognises the propagation against religious autocrcic\ . Ib

SOCIETY

The most notable evils widelv prevalent In thta J ani l l sot 1(1t1 drcl

\\ omen's slavenr, untouchabllitv soclal strat~f ~cnt~on on th(> hasls ot b~rth

dnd poverty. The main objechve of PhlK 1s Lht crnd~cat~on of c ~ l l the \oc~~tl

evils and the establishment of egalitarian soc~eh . Unless thc. d~fferenr es

between the oppressed classes of the soc~eh cind the proletarlnt

are wiped out, a s e n s e of u n ~ h and romm undl

16. Interview with Dr.S. Ramadoss, the founder of PhlK on 20th May, 1990.

Page 11: IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI - Shodhgangashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/85152/8/subra_chapter4.pdf · ideology of pattali makkal katchi An ideology is a belief system

129

harmony among the various classes of the Tamil societ) could not t.rp

achieved. Therefore PMK endeavours eliminating the differences among

the various oppressed classes namely Scheduled caste, Scheduled 'Tribe,

Backward classes and minorities. The most popular slogan of the pare. 1s

" We are neither slaves nor masters to an!. one ". IJAlI\; hns tnrn~cxi

coordination committees to achieve U n ~ h ot all the worh~ng c lass~s at

reg~onal level.

EIL4DICATION OF UNTOUCHABILITY

The founding father of PMK Dr. Ramado<< I'inients on tr~als and

tribulations imposed on the untouchables ~ . h i c h compt~llcd thtm to t i , ~ \ . t >

separate cemeteq., separate well, separate dw ell I ng place, scpira t c * p a tli

etc. This kind of segregation of pcoplc 1s not onl\ ~nhurndri

but also barbaric. PMK endeavours to ztr~vc for total

eradication of this barbdric practice. It hdnt5 t o rcnlovt5 thtb johs

clone by so called untouchables such as druni brxatinj;,rarr!.lng

the dead cattle, burning the corpses and cornpulsc>r\ cobbllngs. 1 Fi

Instead of employing the scdvengers to clcan thc toilets

modem sophsticated ones would be bu~lt . The scavengers would bt)

17. The Dinappuratchi, dated 20th November, 1989. 18. Pattali Makka] Katchi Scheduled hlakknlai En Adarikkd Vend urn?

(Tamil) A special pamphlet, Chennai : nindppuratchi Publishers, 1989, p.10

Page 12: IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI - Shodhgangashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/85152/8/subra_chapter4.pdf · ideology of pattali makkal katchi An ideology is a belief system

130

j:iven alternate jobs. They would also be protected from the harassment

of usurers. The system of untouchability continues partly because of

discriminatory system of separate students hostel for Backward class

students. PMK has decided to create common hostels for all students.

So the untouchability would be eliminated to a large extent. The birth

dn\, of Dr. An~bedkar would be declared as Government holiday. The

s\,stem of hereditdrv occupation perpetuates untouchability. So PhlK

\ ~ d n t s to get rid of these system. Restoration of the civil right to

hc- heduled people, formation of an autonomous scheduled \Yelfare Board

tor the upliftnient of Scheduled class and Scheduled Tribe people are

gl\en priorities in the planks of PL~K. '"

l o nchieve these ideals, PhlK works in collaboration with Prakash

qnlhtbdkar, the grandson of Dr. Babdsahib Ambedkar and with Indian

lirpubl~can part\. Theretorr PhlK exhorts the people to give up their

illttcrences and qudrrels for peth. redsons, and unite together to achieve

j ' ( i l l ! l~dj pO\\'Cr. 20

- . . - - - - - ......................................................................................

Thcl Dinnppuratchi, dated 19th Februar!., 1989.

7 , -I,!, The Dinappuratchi, dated 21st February, 1989.

Page 13: IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI - Shodhgangashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/85152/8/subra_chapter4.pdf · ideology of pattali makkal katchi An ideology is a belief system

WOMEN LIBERATION

The social ideology of PMK concentrates on the emancipation of

women from male domination. Joint family system, communal order and

social rigidities are the main stumbling blocks to the emergence of

separate identity of the ladies. The present social structure has not come

out of the conservative thinking. As such, the ladies are traditionally

under the control of the parents before marriage, under husband after

marriage and under son after the death of husband?' Women are not

given even the right to choose their life-partners. Women are treated

with contempt and as a means for sensual pleasures. PMK is determined

to get rid of this situation. So it gives much importance to women

education which alone could create a sense of independence and social

metamorphosis. The following steps are initiated by the party to elevate

the status of women.

d) Priority in admission of women in the party and proper training in

social and political activities.

b) Consistent propaganda to stress on their independence in choosing

their life partners.

-- - -----

21. Vannivar Sangam Ma~al i r Kalvi Valarchi hlaanattu Malar

( A special souvenir ) Madras : PMK, 1990, p.6

Page 14: IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI - Shodhgangashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/85152/8/subra_chapter4.pdf · ideology of pattali makkal katchi An ideology is a belief system

132

c) Agitation against sex violence and molestation.

d) Eradication of inequality between men and women in covert and

overt life; steps to develop self conscience, self reliance and self

thinking among women.

e) Agitation against the sex based segregation of School.

f) Campaign in support of widow remarriage and Rationalism.

2) Agitation for the protection of women's rights of inheritance and

economic rights.

t ) Reservation of 30% seats to women in Government and private

institutions.

i ) Formation of district wise homes for the destitute women and

grass- widows. Construction of toilet to women in cities, towns

and villages.

j ) Establishment of a women Welfare committee to probe into the

problems of women and make recommendations for the redress of

their grievances. 22

In the election manifesto of 1990 declared in connection with the

Pondichenl Assembly election, PhIK announced various welfare

measures for the ladies.

---I- --- - ------- 2. S. Kamala Kanthan, Makkal Murasu, dated 24th September, 1995.

Page 15: IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI - Shodhgangashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/85152/8/subra_chapter4.pdf · ideology of pattali makkal katchi An ideology is a belief system

133

The most notable among are:-

a) Establishment of a separate Welfare department at

Pondicheq which should be a model for other states to emulate. b) In

Government Employment and education 40% of seats are to be reserved

for the ladies. c) Whenever young widows come forward to remarry,

they should be given Rs.10,000/- as marriage grant d) A separate court

was to be set u p to enquire into the atrocities committed on women

especially dowry cases. e) The posters containing obscene and shameful

pictures of the ladies are to be banned. f ) The graduate ladies should be

appointed as village welfare officers, so that all the projects and plans of

the Government would reach the people without any pilferage. 23

The ladies are given priority in starting industries which would

cater to the basic needs of the people. 30% reservation for the ladies

would be allocated in the Police department with a suitable legislation.

Similarly encouragement was given for inter caste marriages. Similarly

10% of reservation was earmarked for the ladies in employment and

education.24 It is very painful to note that the widows are not allowed to

-------

23. The Election Manifesto of PMK, dated 21st February, 1990.

24. Ibid.

Page 16: IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI - Shodhgangashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/85152/8/subra_chapter4.pdf · ideology of pattali makkal katchi An ideology is a belief system

134

in any festival occasions whereas the widower is allowed to

%s practice is vehemently condemned by Dr. Ramadoss.

He discouraged people from getting or demanding dowry. He stresses

the equal inheritance laws are to be enforced without discrimination of

sex. The argument that the ladies would not respect their husbands when

they are more educated is baseless. No one likes that the ladies are being

treated with contempt and for publicity. Every year a ladies big

conference is being held at Poompugar during the Tamil month of Aadi.

The main purpose of the conference was to enhance social status of the

Idd ies. 25

MINORITIES WELFARE

PMK insists on a reall!. secular state. By Secularism, it means

separdtion of religion from politics. The Government should play the

role of a co-ordinator. Religious helieves and worship should be personal

dffair. The religious minorities should be given the congregational rights

ot worship at the house, temple, church and mosque. All kinds of

----------------I------------- ----------

35. Poompuhar Magdlir Conference ( A special Brochure) dated 5th

August, 1990.

Page 17: IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI - Shodhgangashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/85152/8/subra_chapter4.pdf · ideology of pattali makkal katchi An ideology is a belief system

135

communal riots in the name of the right to worship should be stopped.

.4 separate police wing to prevent communal riots should be

PMK exposes the fact that the Muslim community has not gained

nnvthing from the political parties for which the Muslims had voted in

lnrge number. All the impressive announcements and lucrative

roncessions announced by other political parties are aimed at gaining the

support and getting the vote of the Muslims. But in reality they have not

done seriously for the uplift of this Muslim religious minority. But PMK

is serious and sincere in its effort. It has not enrolled the Brahmins who

consider bluslims as aliens PMK gives adequate representation to the

hluslims at different organisational levels of the party. For example

R.hl. Hanifa an auto driver a descent of Gunam Gudi Masthan is elected

the Treasurer of the party. Many responsible post of the party in Districts,

'lowns, Unions and branch levels are given to the ~ u s l i m s . ~ ~ For the

benefit of for the welfare community PMK puts forth a ten point

programme.

--------- ------- ------------------------------- 26. Whv PMK should support Muslims?( A special bulletin ) Chennai :

Dinappuratchi Publishers, 1990, p.3

27. Ibid.

Page 18: IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI - Shodhgangashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/85152/8/subra_chapter4.pdf · ideology of pattali makkal katchi An ideology is a belief system

136

1. The Wakf Board would be placed under the control of a Muslim

1.A.S. Officer and the Muslim elders, who have got keen interest in the

welfare of the society.

2. A special committee would be constituted to confiscate the

exploited property of the Wakf Board by the rich people.

3. Proportional representation should be given to the linguistic

and religious minorities in all the departments of the Government

particularly in the h4ini~b-y~ Legislative Council, Education, Law,

Employment, Medicine etc.

4. As a result of the evils of dowry system, many Muslim women

of the marriageable age could not get suitable life-partners and as such

they remain unmarried. To redress their grievances, the Government

~ ~ o u l d give Rs.10,000/- as subsidy and Rs.15,000/- as long term loan to

3luslim Youth provided that they should come forward to marry without

down!.

5. Those Muslim Youth who obtain 'Alim' title would be given

Rs.300/- as unemployment dole till they get employment.

6. At present, only rich Muslims are able to perform Haj

pilgrimage. PMK wants to change the situation and help even poor

hluslims to undertake t h s holy pilgrimage. To begin with, every year

f i f q Alims would be selected from among the poorer section and

sponsored by the Government for Haj Pilgrimage.

Page 19: IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI - Shodhgangashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/85152/8/subra_chapter4.pdf · ideology of pattali makkal katchi An ideology is a belief system

137

7. In every district, committees for safeguarding the interest of the

minorities should be constituted.

8. The holy places and places of worship of the minorities would

he protected. Any attempt to politicise and communalise these issues by

anv political party or communal organisation would be challenged and

met by PMK.

9. PMK would protect the rights and concessions given to the

minorities in the constitution.

10. If PMK comes to power, the office of the Chief Minister and

Deputy Chief Minister would be given even to the minorities under

rotation system. It is unequivocally declared that PhlK is p re~a red to

make any sacrifice to implement the above ten point programme of the

n~inorities and thereby sought their co-operation and support to P M K . ~ ~

The social ideology of Ph4K comprises of health and hygiene

programmes. Establishment of separate university for the Tamil

Aledicine namelv siddha medicine and developing other medical system

like Homeopathy, Avurveda, Zjnani, Acupuncture etc. through this

university is given greater importance. Increasing the primary health

centres with modern facilities in rural areas is given prioriv.

28. The Election Manifesto of PMK, February, 1990.

Page 20: IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI - Shodhgangashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/85152/8/subra_chapter4.pdf · ideology of pattali makkal katchi An ideology is a belief system

138

Mobile health service is also felt essential. In every village, basic health

programme was announced. Accordingly, in every taluk head quarter

hospital, blood bank, X-Ray, ECG and other modem equipments are

to be established. Those medical physicians who stay in villages

should be given 10% additional pay with a view to encouraging medical

facilities in the rural area.29

PROHIBITION

P.M.K. is committed to total prohibition in the country. It is

determined to achieve this noble social ideology championed by

hlahatma Gandhi, and advocated by Annadurai in every possible way,

legal, educational and through consistant propaganda. It believes in not

only closing of liquor shops but also in complete eradication of illict

liquor, through stringent punishment and watchful vigilance.

Dr. Ramadoss strongly believes that the sooner the total prohibition is

introduced all over the country, the better for the common people. 30

MODERNISATION OF UNHYGIENIC WORKS

PMK condemns vehemently that man cleans and carries the excreta

of man. So it wants to modemise the system of scavenging and cleaning.

29. Pattali Makkal Katchi Kolaai Thittannal, ( A special Brochure), Madras, 1992, p.10

30. 1id.b

Page 21: IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI - Shodhgangashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/85152/8/subra_chapter4.pdf · ideology of pattali makkal katchi An ideology is a belief system

139

Those who are involved in this work would be given some alternative

occupations, so that they should not suffer.31

HOUSING BOARD DEPARTMENT

PMK is mainly concerned with the problem of basic amenities of

the people. So it wants to provide well built houses for all. The housing

hoard should provide regular houses for those who are living in slums.

House plots should be given free to the people living below the poverty

line. Patta pending for a long period is to be given immediately.

Similarly the government servants and employees in private concerns

should be given houses for which recovery would be made in easy

instalments. The land which is suitable for dwellings should be given to

the poor people at low cost for building their houses. 32

ECONOMIC IDEOLOGY

The Economic Ideology of P.M.K. aims at the establishment of

egdlitarian society. Therefore the Tiller soil Acts, Land ceiling Acts,

Elimination of Benami Land holding etc. are given greater importance.

The exploitation of poor agricultural workers by big land lords is

denounced vehemently. With a view to improving the condition of

- -----

31. The Dinamani, dated 5th April, 1996.

32. The Dinappuratchi, dated 21st February, 199C.

Page 22: IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI - Shodhgangashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/85152/8/subra_chapter4.pdf · ideology of pattali makkal katchi An ideology is a belief system

140

farmers and developing agriculture, modern scientific farming is strongly

advocated. Agricultural research, regulation of agricultural marketing

and fixation of prices for agricultural commodities are encourged.

The wages of women labourers should be fixed on the basis of the policy

of "equal work equal' pay". 33

In the industrial sector, nationalisation of all heavy industries from

the individuals without giving any compensation and finally reshaping

them according to the needs of the nation forms the basis of the industrial

policy of P.M.K. The ultimate aim is to establish a total socialistic pattern

of society. Till then, the co-opeartive department should function as a

stop-gap arrangement. 34

AGRICWTURE

P.M.K. demands that the land under the control of big land lords

has to be seized and given to those who actualljr work on the fields. The

right of the peasants over the land is to recognised. The most popular

slogan of P.h.I.K. in this context is "Tillers should be the land owners. 1135

33. Interview with S. Ramadoss, dated 20th May, 1990.

34. PMK Kol~ai Thittanval, op.cit, 12.22

35. The Dinappuratchi, dated 13th October, 1989.

Page 23: IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI - Shodhgangashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/85152/8/subra_chapter4.pdf · ideology of pattali makkal katchi An ideology is a belief system

141

At present, lands of big monasteries are in the hands of few individuals.

As per the records, they are the tillers of the soil. But actually they are

not So the slogan 'Land for the actual Tillers' should not be allowed to be

exploited by big land Lords. The lands of the mutts, temples,

churches, mosques and such religious institutions are to be confiscated

and be given to those who actually work in the field. Only that much of

land which is absolutely necessary for the maintenance of those religious

institutions would be allotted to them. Until the amassing of land by big

Land Lords is abolished, the rule of the working class and the eradication

of the caste system could never take place. So the following action plan

becomes necessary.

1. Recognising the Land ownership of the small peasants.

2. The Government run model co-operative farm where

dgriculturists are to work for eight hours.

3. The Government should help small scale Land owners to form

co-operative farms, when they come forward.

4. When new areas of land are brought under agriculture, co-

operative farming should be followed. 36

36. S. Kamala Kanthan, Makkal Murasu, dated, 2nd November, 1995.

Page 24: IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI - Shodhgangashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/85152/8/subra_chapter4.pdf · ideology of pattali makkal katchi An ideology is a belief system

142

This party shall struggle for the patching up of the loopholes in the

land ceiling Act and the Benami land abolition Acts and for the proper

renewal and implementation of the land ceiling acts region-wise.

Temples shall be maintained through the donations of devotees

and not for the dominant purpose of the Brahmins or religious priests.

Government itself shall meet the cost of the maintenance of only the

dncient monumental temples if the\, cannot be maintained through the

offerings.Lands acquired by this means shall be distributed among the

coolies and the poor farmers. 37

The urban land ceiling shall be extended to all municipalities and

to the Town Panchavat areas attached to them. Lands obtained through

this method shall be utilised for the welfare of the urban people. The

pdrtv shall strive to help the middle class people bs preventing the policy

of the sale of House-sites. 38

Fixation of the prices agricultural commodities like paddy,

sugdrcane and wheat is given top priority. It is insisted that while fixing

37. S. Kamala Kanthan, Makkal hilurasu, dated, 2nd November, 1995.

38. S. Kamala Kanthan, Makkal Murasu, dated, 24th October, 1995.

Page 25: IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI - Shodhgangashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/85152/8/subra_chapter4.pdf · ideology of pattali makkal katchi An ideology is a belief system

143

the prices, the cost of production should be taken into account as the basis

for such fixing. The representatives of the peasants, agricultural scientist

and the officals of agricultural department should be the members of the

committee meant for fixing the cost of the commodities. 39

The party shall endeavor to change the agricultural university and

agriculture functioning with the help of autonomous bodies. These

institutions shall be run on modern lines with the additional agricultural

experts. The party shall strive to bring about agricultural production

linked with traditional techniques 50% of the budgetary provisions of the

state and centre shall be year marked for agricultural development and

rural uplift. It has been observed that the foreign manufacturers of

chemical fertilizers, pesticides etc., get bounteous profit. So this should be

prevented by the modernisation of the traditional agriculture4o Similarly

the Ph3K will strive to determine vearly district-wise wage polic!.,

adequate to the agricultural labourers and implement it through the

people's security squad. It is stressed that in addition to the establishment

of rural banks at all places bureaucratic procedures shall to totnlly

erddicated for the prevention of exploitation of poor agriculturist b!f the

39. S. Kamala Kanthan, Makkal Murasu, dated, 24th October, 1995 40. The Election Manifesto of PMK, 1991.

Page 26: IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI - Shodhgangashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/85152/8/subra_chapter4.pdf · ideology of pattali makkal katchi An ideology is a belief system

1 44

business magnets and unscrupulous users. The allocation of fund for this

in the state budget shall be greatly increased. Moreover the party shall

work for the construction of poor godowns in each panchayat union area

functioning round the clock for storing agricultural produce. The parties

shall seriously prevent the conversion of wet lands into the residential

towns. The scheme of crop insurance to give compensation for loss in

dgricutural cultivation should be introduced. The party shall provide for

the sanction of pension to landless agricultural labourers beyond the age

of fif?y.41

In the election manifesto of 1990, it was proclaimed that if any

one engaged in agriculture dies, Rs.25,000/- would be given. On the

grounds of compassion, free electricig. should be given for small scale

dgriculturists.

INDUSTRIES

The industrial policy of PMK stresses on the

ndtiondlisation of all heavy industries from the

private individuals without giving any compensation and finally

reshaping them according to the needs of the nation.

---- ---

31. The Election Manifesto of PMK, 1991.

Page 27: IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI - Shodhgangashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/85152/8/subra_chapter4.pdf · ideology of pattali makkal katchi An ideology is a belief system

145

Only agriculture based industrial plan could help to remove

unemployment problem in the villages. In a country dependent on

agriculture only, the growth of the small scale industries could generate

employment opportunities. Small scale or medium industries should be

installed in every village, union and Taluk. It is industrial atrocity that

big industries like Tata iron industry have started producing even salt,

Buckets, etc. The right of any body to produce anything is being misused

and abused by the big capitalists. This should be prevented. Certain

commodities like match box, soap, tooth pastes, salt etc. should be

reserved only for rural people. The government should extend subsidy

and financial assistance to them. Industrial development in the co-

operative sector should be encouraged. 42

FIandlooms should be replaced by powerlooms. Without affecting

the interest of handloom weavers. Weaving colony should be setup and

reshaped as weaving industrial center. Co-operative societies should be

started for the fisher man who should be given the exclusive right of

fishing.43

- -------I__--------- -

42. Pattali Makkal Katchi Kolgai Thittangal, o ~ . c i t , p.21.

43. E. p.22

Page 28: IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI - Shodhgangashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/85152/8/subra_chapter4.pdf · ideology of pattali makkal katchi An ideology is a belief system

146

The system of individual production, selling and distribution

should be replaced by the system of Government production and

distribution. Co-operative buying and selling should be an intermediary

arrangement A11 the money lending should be replaced by co-operative

s!rrtem of banking.44 As a result the exploitation of the farmers by the

money lenders could be removed.

As per the new economic liberal policy proclaimed by the congress

Government under the leadership of the former Prime Minister

P.\'.Narasimha Rao, PMK strongly opposes the new liberal policy on the

ground that it would pave the way for the entry of foreign capital into

India-a quite unchecked and the consequent economic exploitation of our

nation.

The political ideology of the PMK focuses on the establishment of

popular sovereignty, decentralisation of powers democratisation of

bureaucratic institutions, recall of the elected representatives by the

people before the end of the term, safeguarding of the basic and

lmprescriptable civil rights of the people, granting of freedom to the

4.1. Pattali Makkal Katchi Kolgai Thittangal, op.cit, p.23.

Page 29: IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI - Shodhgangashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/85152/8/subra_chapter4.pdf · ideology of pattali makkal katchi An ideology is a belief system

147

multi-nationals emancipation of national racialilsm, recognition of Tamil

Elam, open declaration of the property of all those who are in. power,

confiscation of the illegally acquired properties of the corrupt people

ctc. 45

P.M.K. endeavours for the mobilisation of the people agdinst

obscene and vulgar films, posters, and literature. The art and literature

wh~ch exist today is dominated by the upper class and by the western

cdpitalist. It is realised that culture of our nation has its roofs in the

working class of the villages. So it is imperative to rejuvenate the old art

dnd sculpture. A cultural academy has to be established to give shape to

the cultural ideology of PMK. Competitions have to be conducted by the

Academy to develop Art and Literature. The ladies from the rural area

have to participate in large number. The central aim is to protect the

~nterests of Tamil Culture. The menfolk irrespective of caste and creed

should participate Ovilattam, dance and the women folk in kolattam and

kummi. As a result a kind of renaissance has to be initiated in Tamil rural - ArtS?6

. S. Kamala Kanthan, Makkal Murasu, dated 10th October ,1995.

46. S. Kamala Kanthan, Makkal Murasu, dated 24th November ,1995.

Page 30: IDEOLOGY OF PATTALI MAKKAL KATCHI - Shodhgangashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/85152/8/subra_chapter4.pdf · ideology of pattali makkal katchi An ideology is a belief system

148

The ideology of PMK is aimed at uplifhng ' not only the

Vanniyar Community but all the oppressed backward classes and

minority people. It has many facets like social, political, economic and

cultural. The social ideology stresses on providing education to the

community, women's liberation, introduction of prohibition, elimination

of prohibition, elimination of untouchability, reservation, separation of

religion from politics and settling of Ianguage issue in peaceful manner.

The economic aspect of the ideology insists on the establishment of

egalitdrian society by giving more importance to the Tiller Soil Act, Land

Ceiling Acts and elimination of Binmu land holdings.

The political ideology of the party aims at the establishment of

popular sovereignty, democratisation of bureaucratic institutions and

decentralisation of powers. Preservation of Tamil culture is given greater

importance, as a part of its cultural programme. To popularise and

implement these Politico-Socio-Economic-ideas, the party organised a

number of conferences and launched a number of programmes.