BJP ally PMK passes resolution against NRC

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), an ally of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tamil Nadu that voted for controversial changes to the Citizenship Act has distanced itself from the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC). Two other BJP allies – Janata Dal (United) and the Akali Dal – have already opposed the NRC.

In a special general council meeting held at Tindivanam on Tuesday (December 31), the party said since Tamil Nadu does not share borders with any other country, there is no need to carry out NRC in the state.

Though PMK, a member of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), has no presence in Lok Sabha, the party’s youth wing chief and former Union health minister Anbumani Ramadoss is a Rajya Sabha member. The resolution comes as a surprise as the party had voted in favour of the Citizenship Amendment Bill in the Rajya Sabha.

However, the resolution reiterated the party’s demand for Sri Lankan Tamils to be granted dual citizenship.

Meanwhile, Ramadoss alleged that its ally AIADMK has not given them a proper share in this local body elections. “Without our support, the AIADMK could not have won Assembly bypolls. Hope we will get more seats in the upcoming local body polls for nine districts,” he said.