Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thirumavalavan has once again made headlines, but this time, the surprise was for everyone, including the party itself. He has left everyone wondering about the rationale behind his new decision to set up a task force to coordinate Christian organizations for the upcoming Women’s Conference aimed at abolishing Alcohol and Drug Abuse in the state.
On 18 September 2024, Thirumavalavan, via his official X account, announced the controversial decision, stating, “Women’s Conference on eradicating Alcohol and Drug Abuse. The Task Force for Coordinating Christian Organizations is set up as follows.” He also included a list of members from the Christian committee, comprising nine reverends and five pastors from various churches, including CSI, ESI, and TELC.
மது மற்றும் போதைப் பொருள் ஒழிப்பு
மகளிர் மாநாடுகிறித்தவ அமைப்புகளை ஒருங்கிணைக்கும் பணிக்குழு பின்வருமாறு அமைக்கப்படுகிறது pic.twitter.com/qtxI3eqgdQ
— Thol. Thirumavalavan (@thirumaofficial) September 18, 2024
Many political analysts and critics struggle to understand the message VCK chief Thirumavalavan conveys following his recent controversial actions that have stirred up the political landscape within the DMK alliance. There is ongoing debate about whether the conference aims to address issues for all communities or if it is primarily focused on appeasement politics targeting a specific group.
Recent Political Plays By Thirumavalavan
After facing prolonged criticism for remaining in the DMK alliance and not challenging the government’s injustices against scheduled castes and tribes, Thirumavalavan has recently taken a stand. He publicly criticized the DMK’s alcohol policy and announced a women’s conference aimed at abolishing alcohol and drug abuse in the state as a strategy to show protest.
Thirumavalavan Criticizes DMK, Invites AIADMK For Alcohol Prohibition Conference
On 10 September 2024, during a press conference at his party headquarters, Thirumavalavan criticized and blamed the DMK indirectly for the severe alcohol addiction in the state and Kallakuruchi hooch tragedy.
He remarked, “A country cannot become a superpower by turning everyone into an alcoholic. There is no use in welfare programs after creating alcoholics in every family, so we place these demands to the state government and central ruling union government.”
During a subsequent press briefing, Thirumavalavan stirred controversy by inviting the AIADMK to his conference. Reporters pressed him to clarify his criticism of parties that support liquor prohibition but are reluctant to act, specifically asking if he was referring to the DMK.
Thirumavalavan responded, “I’m saying to whoever is hesitant, even AIADMK is saying that (prohibition), but they have not implemented it. If they want, they can join our conference. AIADMK can also join. Any party can join. Whoever has the consensus to prohibit liquor can come.”
DMK Reaction
This statement sparked considerable unrest within the DMK alliance, prompting responses from various figures. DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin remarked that the VCK has the right to invite anyone they wish, stating, “They will discuss it, and participation is entirely up to them.” Meanwhile, DMK Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Ma. Subramanian, assured, “There is no issue within the DMK alliance, and it will remain strong through many more elections.”
The following day, the VCK faced heightened tension as the fascist DMK, moved to remove their prominent 62-foot VCK’s flagpole. This pole had replaced the original 20-foot post erected by VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan when the party was founded. Situated in Villur, Madurai district, the flagpole was taken down by local authorities, who claimed it interfered with road extension plans.
Despite recognizing the underlying political motives behind this action, Thirumavalavan chose not to criticize the ruling DMK directly. Instead, he strongly condemned the district administration, particularly Collector M.S. Sangeetha, accusing them of deliberately targeting the VCK and its activities. Thirumavalavan stated that the issue had been escalated to the government and DMK ministers, and he anticipated a favourable resolution. This incident has prompted speculation about the VCK’s relationship with the DMK and Thirumavalavan’s next moves.
‘We Need Power Sharing’ Statement
As the situation exacerbated within their alliance, on 14 September 2024, Thirumavalavan posted a video on his official X account that quickly went viral. In the video, he stated, “A party that raised the voice for a coalition government in 2016 is Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi. Cabinet should be shared, not merely seat share but we need power share. I don’t know the history of whether previous organizations have discussed it… Power sharing is different from seat sharing. To ask for a seat in the cabinet is power sharing, and to participate in the coalition is ‘seat sharing’. Some 4 or 5 seats will be allocated in that, too, power comes individually. Power sharing means that I also want to share in the power.”
Meeting With Stalin
Thirumavalavan and other VCK leaders met with Chief Minister MK Stalin at the DMK headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, to address several key issues. Following the meeting, Thirumavalavan told the press that a major topic of discussion was the VCK’s upcoming anti-liquor conference scheduled for 2 October 2024, in Kallakurichi, which aims to advocate for total alcohol prohibition. He emphasized his party’s commitment to prohibition and reminded Stalin that both DMK founder C.N. Annadurai and former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi had supported this cause.
What was surprising was Thirumavalavan’s shift in stance. Despite his previous strong advocacy for a complete liquor ban, he now reported that Stalin had agreed only to reduce sales. Thirumavalavan also mentioned that he had asked the DMK for support in pursuing a national liquor ban as outlined in Article 47 of the Indian Constitution. Stalin reportedly assured that DMK representatives would attend the 2 October conference and that the state government would consider a phased implementation of prohibition.
This development on task force seems almost farcical, given Thirumavalavan’s earlier fervent rhetoric. If he could not confront Stalin directly with his demands, it raises questions about his effectiveness and the purpose of his role as a representative. One might wonder why he holds such a position if he is merely subservient to the DMK rather than advocating strongly for his constituents’ needs. This situation starkly reveals how the DMK keeps its alliances under control.
Thirumavalavan, despite being aware that DMK leaders control distilleries and breweries that profit from liquor sales, called for a ban on alcohol while threatening to shift alliances if his demands weren’t met. Yet, the DMK must have known that, like other allied parties, the VCK lacks the fortitude to stand firm on real issues and would be easily suppressed. Shamelessly, Thirumavalavan, who once proclaimed that they were no one’s slaves, now remains silent, just avoiding the spotlight altogether.
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.