The way in which the depressed classes were treated after Justice Party came to power is a sad story. When the Spur Tank speech was made by TM Nair, MC Rajah proposed the vote of thanks. People from Depressed classes participated in significant numbers1/n
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On the Spur Tank speech, the viewpoint of the depressed classes is that TM Nair focussed more on anti-Brahmin and anti-Annie Besant (Home Rule) polemic rather than speaking about the issues of depressed classes. But atleast they felt that their issues are being discussed 2/n
But things changed after Justice party came to power. The dominant non brahmin castes in Justice party ganged up against the depressed classes in what is termed the Pulianthope troubles. The caste hindus blamed Labour commissioner for being on the side of Adi-Dravidas 3/n
Justice party members were unhappy that their report was rejected. But govt felt that the report only spoke about the caste Hindus anxieties and was one-sided. Sir PT had suggested that Adi-Dravida camps be moved beyond city limits and not be grouped together 4/n
It would be surprising to note that the depressed class members thought that Justice party was doing exactly what TM Nair had accused Brahmins of. Sir PT's actions were compared to Manu. It is at this point MC Rajah questioned the philosophy of Justice Party & eventually left 5
It is observed that Sir Pitti Thyagaraya Chetti was less reform oriented and along with Raja of Panagal concentrated on ousting the Brahmans from Administration & political power rather than social reform to alleviate the problems of depressed classes. 6/n
This can also be corroborated by the fact that when Mahatma Gandhi visited Coutrallam in 1934 & saw the untouchability practised in the falls, he refused to take bath. Also the temple entry act was not initiated or passed during Justice rule 7/n
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