Chennai: Tamil Nadu BJP chief spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathi has alleged that caste and money have become the defining forces in the state’s political landscape, especially ahead of Assembly elections.
In a statement, he said caste, money and “muscle power” were key factors in past Assembly polls, and argued that despite claims of having abolished caste, politics in Tamil Nadu continues to revolve around caste identities.
He accused the “Dravidian model” of building politics around caste for power, wealth accumulation and family advancement. He also claimed that while public messaging speaks of removing caste markers, parties and governments continue to allocate posts, responsibilities and appointments along caste lines.
Thirupathi further said social reform legacies associated with Ramanuja, Bharathiar, Rajaji and Ambedkar were sidelined, while caste-based politics was entrenched. He concluded that caste and money would shape the state’s political path going forward.
