Prominent DMK leaders from dalit community:

1. A.Raja
2. AKS Vijayan
3. @iparanthamen

Dhanapal is senior to both EPS & OPS. Dhanapal is a 3-time MLA in MGR period alone & is also from Salem Dist. Why is Dhanapal MA not given PWD or Revenue or even Law dept? @AIADMKOfficial

Leaders of majority caste like Gounders, Vanniyars and Thevars flock together, whip up their caste sentiments, prop up others in their caste and have never let their people down. Same cannot be said about dalit leaders including A. Raja and others.

Atrocities and discrimination against dalits is prevalent across India. With over 220 million dalits in India, over 18% of India’s population, unfortunately dalits have not been largely successful as a political force in most political parties. This is the harsh reality!!

Regardless of political parties, when dalit leaders are assertive or emerging, it is seen as a challenge to upper-caste authority.

Paruthi Illamvazhuthi and A.Raja were possibly the only 2 exceptions in TN who were allowed to be assertive by Kalaignar.

Since independence, political parties have exploited the dalits for votes by offering them false promises of economic and social improvement. Political parties have systematically bought votes by paying cash in colonies. Dalits need formidable leaders who can bring an end to this

Stats show that crime against Dalits have been increasing. Rape cases involving Dalit women have doubled in the past 10 years, while the number of murders, attacks and harassment has also increased. Educated dalits must ensure that their caste does not blindly vote for anyone

Prominent dalit leaders must do more for their people. Demand more representation. Demand good portfolio for their people in Cabinet. Fight for more representation in Higher Judiciary. Bottomline, get more assertive as one solid block much like any other major castes in TN.