SC ruling a historic victory for DMK’s struggle for social justice, says Stalin

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TIMES NEWS NETWORK

08.01.2022

Madurai: The Supreme Court order allowing 27% reservation in NEET PG admission to other backward classes (OBC) is a historic victory for DMK in its fight for social justice and the people of Tamil Nadu, chief minister M K Stalin has said. The Congress, PMK and left parties too claimed credit for the decision and recalled their campaigns in this regard.

Stalin said the order was a result of the DMK’s legal and political battles over the years despite efforts by the Union government and oppressive forces to continue fighting against it. He said DMK fought for it in Parliament, before the people’s court and before the high court and Supreme Court where it impleaded in the case.

"It is worrying that the Union government failed to realise the justice in our demand. They argued against the reservation before Madras high court and refused to implement the HC’s direction even after it was confirmed by the Supreme Court," he said, adding that DMK then moved a contempt of court plea against the Union government’s inaction. "Had the Union government shown interest, it (the reservation) would have been implemented two years ago, benefiting thousands of OBC students," he said. DMK’s legal battle against the 10% reservation for economically weaker sec- tions and for ensuring 100% allotment of medical seats to students of the home state will continue, he added.

Stalin said that medical colleges have been opened across states, making it possible for students of those states to pursue MBBS and specialised postgraduate courses such as MD and MS there. The state will continue its battle to put an end to All India Quota to enable 100% filling up of seats by the respective states.

Welcoming the verdict, TN Congress Committee president K S Alagiri recalled the role of the Congress in implementing 27% reservation for OBC category in central government institutions in 2006 during the UPA-I government. At this juncture, he stated the governor should forward the bill against NEET that was passed in the assembly to the governor or else face the consequences.

Former Union health minister and PMK youth wing leader Anbumani Ramadoss in a statement claimed that the verdict was a victory of his party and other organisations and recalled his role in initiating the case. The journey for social justice is too long, he said and added that many legal and political battles have to be fought in the state and national level for social justice to emerge victorious. CPM state secretary K Balakrishnan said the party takes pride in being a part of the battle that brought victory before the SC and appreciated the DMK and others which played their role before the apex court.