DMK Govt To Build Statue Of Former Prime Minister VP Singh In Chennai; Move Comes Amidst Clamour By Parties For Caste Census

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin recently announced that his government would build a statue of former Prime Minister VP Singh in Chennai.

While the issue may not have attracted a lot of attention, political commentators say that Chief Minister Stalin has chosen a politically conducive moment to make the decision because a number of parties are demanding a caste census at the moment.

Further, they say that through this Chief Minister Stalin is trying to portray himself as one of the leaders of the backward classes at the national level.

Within the state too, the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has always portrayed itself as the messiah of the backward classes. OBC's comprise 68 per cent of the state's population and their support is crucial for an electoral victory.

Along with the political posturing, the move also acts as a reminder of the cordial relationship between VP Singh and the DMK.

When Singh had faced opposition from a number of parties for implementing the Mandal Commission report, the DMK had backed him. It was also part of his government. Murasoli Maran, considered the number two in the party then, was made a Cabinet minister.

Old timers recall that Singh had addressed a number of meetings in the state regarding OBC reservation and Maran used to translate his speeches. They say that these speeches were received well due to the kind of political atmosphere created by the Dravidian parties.

In conclusion, they say that while the move has its political purposes, it is also a tribute to a person whom the DMK saw as a friend and ally.