A newly formed organisation, Matruthiranaligal Munnetra Kazhagam, led by persons with disabilities from Tamil Nadu, has initiated steps to become a political party by applying for registration with the Election Commission of India (ECI).
“We may not be able to contest in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections but we definitely will contest in the future. We have always lived on the margins of society,” said Samuel Raj, president of Matruthiranaligal Munnetra Kazhagam, from Madurai, at a press meet held in the city.
Mr. Raj said that persons with disabilities do not seek concessions or monthly stipends which he noted are insufficient for their livelihood. Instead, he said that employment opportunities are what is needed. “We are graduates but still many persons with disabilities still do not have access to jobs. We are often treated as rejected members of society,” he said.
The party was formed because many other sections of society alongside persons with disabilities lack adequate political attention and representation. “The political party has been formed to bring about change and that these voices are heard,” Mr. Raj said.
