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nEdapaddi K.nPalanisamy is all set to become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. The SupremenCourt decision against Sasikala in the DA case has created a state of politicalnhavoc in Tamil Nadu. Sasikala riding on the support of majority of MLAs hasnnominated Palaniswami as the leader of the Assembly. OPS may not be able tonprove his majority on the floor of the house, if given a chance.
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nCaste of K.nPalaniswami
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nPalaniswami whonis considered a powerful leader of Salem is also a trusted ally of both latenJayalalitha and Sasikala. He was seen many times laying down on the feet ofnJayalalitha showing that this powerful man who has amassed crores of Rupees canngo to any length when it comes to ‘buttering’.
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nMany people arenalso wondering about the caste of Palaniswami. Actually, his caste was onenreason why Sasikala has selected her. It is expected to make AIADMK evennstronger.
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nPalaniswaminbelongs to Kongu Vellalar caste, one of the most numerically powerful castes ofnTamil Nadu. Kongu Vellalar is also sometimes referred to as Gounder.nInterestingly, Palaniswami’s father used to suffix Gounder in his name.nHowever, Palaniswami doesn’t use his caste name with his name.
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nIt should bennoted that Kongu Vellalar used to be bracketed under Forward Caste afternindependence. And hence, they were not able to get any sort of reservation.nHowever, riding on the numerical strength they have in the Western region ofnTamil Nadu, they successfully convinced the ruling dispensation to recognizenthem as backward caste. They were recognized to be so in 1975 and since thennthis numerically and financially strong community is enjoying reservation.
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