Trends And Developments

DMK calls for Statute review

In a potentially controversial move, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), which is the dominant partner in the ruling coalition government in the southern Indian State of Tamil Nadu, has called for a new Indian Constitution, although it specifically rules out any changes to the clauses that pertain to the unity and integrity of the country.

That the demand for a redrafting of the Constitution is not just a casual suggestion is evidenced by the fact that it was incorporated in the formal Governor’s Address on the opening day of the winter session of the Tamil nadu State Assembly on January 20.

Most observers were taken by surprise when the Governor, Mr. Surjit Singh Barnala urged the Central government to rewrite the Constitution to reflect more effectively the aspirations of backward classes and minority communities in the country.

DMK supreme and State Chief Minister, Mr.M.Karunanidhi, evidently intends to use his considerable political clout at the Centre, where his party is a key constituent of the Congress-led UPA coalition, to bring the issue of major Statute changes on the national agenda.

The DMK demand comes against the backdrop of the very recent Supreme Court verdict on the 9th Schedule, which is perceived as a threat to reservation policies and therefore to the vote banks of political parties in Tamil Nadu, which has 69 per cent reservation as opposed to the 50 per cent ceiling prescribed by the apex court.

The Governor said it was necessary to keep pace with the changing times and in order to “ensure holistic federalism and social justice, the Constitution should be rewritten afresh”. Seeking to justify the demand, Mr. Barnala said over the past 50 years, the country's political, social and economic facets and needs of the working classes had radically changed. “Citizens belonging to the most backward schedule caste and tribes have been forced to do tight rope walking”, he said, adding that a complete review of the Constitution was necessary.