DMK should not fall into BJP’s trap. I think the answer to RSS is PERIYAR - Social Justice, Social and Women Empowerment. Gounders, Vanniyars, PRs and PLs are Hindus too. But, they were brought into the mainstream by Periyar/Dravidian movement. This fundamental thinking is key!!

DMK must confidently embrace Periyar to counter Hindutva. Periyar in his struggle for social justice left an indelible mark on TN’s politics and history. Brought the reservation system for India, providing an opportunity for many who were denied for several hundreds of years.

Over 80% of TN population belongs to the socially disadvantaged sections, categorised as the Other Backward Classes (OBC), the Most Backward Castes (MBC) and the Scheduled Castes (S.C.) and the Scheduled Tribes (S.T.).
Periyar/Dravidian movement gave them life, NOT HINDUTVA!!

Social scientists will deniably attribute Tamil Nadu's impressive performance in education and other social sectors, including health, to the system of reservation in education and government employment followed in the State since 1927. Thanks to Periyar and Dravidian movement!!

When vested interests put roadblocks to the reservation system in the wake of Independence, purportedly to be in tune with the Constitution of India, Periyar motivated the State Govt to press the Centre to amend the Constitution and save reservation. It was saved!!

Periyar's relevance to contemporary India goes beyond reservation and extends to the fight against untouchability and atrocities against Dalits. In his perception, the ultimate solution for all caste-based ills was in the abolition of the exploitative and hierarchic caste system.

Periyar managed to put in safeguards in the Constitution against reservations that was being sabotaged by a small section of people. It was truly a story of South India’s real freedom struggle that found its support across the country. Hindutva was divisive. Periyar was inclusive

Across the length and breath of our country, Periyar brought about inclusiveness in our thinking. He approached Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to reclaim the communal reservation rights. The Govt listened & Article 15 was amended. Periyar is an answer to Hindutva!

Periyar managed to put in safeguards in the Constitution against reservations. If that clause of thirty-odd words hadn’t been inserted, generations of Tamils and Indians at large would have been kept out of the education system. Periyar is an answer to Hindutva!!