This refers to the article “When development triggers caste violence” (May 8). As a first step towards ending caste discrimination, the political class should stop playing the communal and caste card during elections. Besides this, tough action should be taken against those engaged in acts of day-to-day discrimination.
P. Senthil Saravana Durai,
Vazhavallan
Hate speech is the foremost reason for communal and caste violence, in Gujarat or Tamil Nadu. It is our politicians who encourage the politics of caste and religion to secure their vote banks.
The Election Commission can help reduce caste violence which erupts mainly due to political speeches.
K.S. Jeyakumar,
Tuticorin
After Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, no powerful leader emerged on the scene to lead the Dravidian movement. Today, the movement hardly raises its voice against caste atrocities. After 1990, many Dalit movements emerged and caste Hindus felt threatened. On their part, the leaders of Dalits did not prevail upon their followers to destroy the caste system; Dalits themselves are conscious of their (sub) caste till date. They never contested elections together. Nor did they struggle against globalisation and privatisation which ruined reservation. Instead, the middle class intellectual supported it.
G. Paul Raj,
Rajapalayam
In the interest of peace and tranquillity in Tamil Nadu, leaders of neutral parties should take steps to make peace between the leaders of the Pattali Makkal Katchi and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi. Both parties are equally responsible for disrupting peace. Neither the Vanniyars nor Dalits stand to gain anything from mutual confrontation.
PMK leader S. Ramadoss, who represents a section of Vanniyars, and Thol. Thirumavalavan, leader of a section of Dalits, should not assume for themselves the right to destroy the communal amity prevailing in society. Together, they can achieve a lot for the welfare of the communities they represent and the State in general.
K. Bala Sundram,
Dharmapuri
