Seven SC groups will be classified as Devendrakula Velalars: PM Modi's 'delightful' message in Tamil Nadu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi K. Palaniswami and Dy. CM O Panneerselvam during the inauguration of Chennai Metro Rail Phase-I extension, that will link North Chennai with the Airport and Central Railway Station, in Chennai, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021. Credit: PTI Photo

Fulfilling a long-standing demand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced in Tamil Nadu that the Centre has approved a proposal to group under Devendrakula Vellalars seven communities that are currently placed in Scheduled Caste (SC).

The announcement comes at a time when the state is just months away from one of the most crucial Assembly elections in recent times.

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People belonging to the seven communities — Devendrakulathan, Kadaiyan, Kalladi, Kudumbam, Pallan, Pannadi, Vathiriyan and Kadaiyan — are spread across Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts of the state.

The BJP, which hardly has any base in Tamil Nadu, has been espousing the cause of these communities and had promised to fulfil their demand. The move might help the AIADMK-BJP alliance in the April-May polls.

"Today, I have a delightful message for the Devendrakula Vellalar community sisters and brothers in Tamil Nadu. The central government has accepted their long-standing demand... They will now be known by their heritage name and not the six to seven names listed in the Schedule to the Constitution,” Modi said after launching various development projects worth over Rs 8,000 crore in the state.

The draft gazette to amend the schedule will be placed before Parliament before the start of the next session, he said.

Recalling a meeting that he had with the representatives of the communities in 2015 in New Delhi, Modi blamed colonial rulers for taking away their pride and dignity. "For decades nothing happened. They told me they pleaded with the governments but nothing changed. I said their name Devender rhymes with my own name — Narendra. I understand their emotions. This decision is more about a change of name. It is about justice, dignity and opportunity,” he added.

Union Home Minister and then Home Minister Amit Shah had participated in a conclave organised by the aforementioned communities in Madurai in 2015, and promised that the Central government will look into their demands. Political analysts said the move is part of BJP's concerted efforts to make inroads into Tamil Nadu.