Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M
Karunanidhi today called for unity among people and warned
against caste coming in the way of national development.
`Let us take a vow today not to allow caste to come in the
way of national and our own development. Let us be united and
face the problem of casteism,` he said in his address at a
function to mark the birth anniversary of veteran Congress
leader and former Chief Minister of the state, late K Kamaraj.
Referring to various caste-related issues in the state in
the past and present, he said all efforts must be taken to
unite people and ensure the development of `our community,
language and the nation.`
Without naming anybody, he alleged that some persons were
instigating people in Uthapuram area in Madurai, which has
been witnessing a standoff between Dalits and caste Hindus,
though his government had undertaken various mitigatory and
conciliatory measures.
He said he had directed demolishing a wall erected allegedly
to prevent Dalits from entering the village and said talks
were also held with the caste Hindus to ensure a peaceful
atmosphere.
While the issue seemed to be sorted out, some persons were
not allowing it to settle down and were instigating people, he
alleged.
Earlier, he recalled the services of Kamaraj to the state
and cooperation between DMK and Congress, though both harbour
opposite views, if there was a need.
In fact, the party had extended support for Kamaraj when he
decided to contest from Gudiyatham constituency, Karunanidhi
said. This was an example of parties burying their differences
when needed, he added.
-PTI
