It appears that the fire ignited by Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thirumavalavan against his alliance partner, the ruling DMK, is spiraling out of control. The idea that Thirumavalavan could be becoming Deputy or Chief Minister, along with VCK leaders securing cabinet positions in Tamil Nadu, is gaining traction among the cadres. Now, Thirumavalavan is struggling to manage the excitement within his ranks and is attempting to shift the narrative to avoid straining his relationship with the DMK, as he faces pressure from the fascist party. However, his efforts seem futile, as cadres continue chanting slogans calling Thirumavalavan to be the next Chief Minister.
Speaking at a meeting organized by the VCK’s Vellore, Ranipet, and Tiruvallur Mandals, Thirumavalavan addressed recent criticisms directed at him. He stated, “I have never spoken anywhere to break the alliance. We are simply expressing our pain, and that takes courage. We fought for Namakkal issue, we stood against the Vengai Vayal issue, and we condemned the murder of Srimathi. Are we unaware that this could lead to controversy? We didn’t anticipate it becoming a major issue, but we are ready to face any challenge.”
Thirumavalavan reaffirming his commitment to the DMK said, “I’ve been saying this from the day one not to view this through alliances or elections. Yet, they (say), ‘No! He’s moving like this, like that, he’s going to leave the DMK, he’s spoken to Edappadi and has got Deputy Chief Minister.’ I’m aspiring to become Prime Minister, but you are saying a Deputy Chief Minister. My ambitions are different; who are you to label me as a Deputy CM? Why? Don’t I have the qualification to become Prime Minister? Should I not aspire to become a Prime Minister? If Modi can be Prime Minister of India, why shouldn’t Thirumavalavan become Prime Minister? or At-least, we will become a Deputy Prime Minister like Jagjivan Ram, that’s what our aim is. It’s as if they’re enticing us, Edappadi has spoken and agreed to give him seat. Sinthanai Selvan is going to become a minister in the cabinet. Thirumalavan will contest in the election by resigning his MP post and becoming Deputy CM.”
Thirumavalavan lamented that there is no neutrality regarding social media gossip, and Aadhav Arjun is being unfairly blamed. Aadhav wants our party to grow and embrace the ideals of Periyar and Ambedkar before joining us. Martin is a wealthy individual, and his son-in-law is Aadhav Arjun, who funded the entire “Democracy will win” conference. Despite my transparency about the financial details, some people distort the facts. They refer to him as Arjun Reddy, but he never identifies himself that way; he should simply be called Arjun, as they often use ‘Reddy’ to emphasize his Telugu heritage.
People are intentionally spreading these rumors. I have warned against allowing such divisive voices into our party. They are merely mercenaries. One might question the nature of our party, whether it is caste-based or not. VCK is a party advocating for the abolition of caste, not one that promotes caste pride. We do not uphold hereditary systems and we are not a ruling dynasty but a dynasty of knowledge. We trace our roots back to Lord Buddha, Mahatma Phule, Ambedkar, and Periyar.
Recent Political Play 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 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.
Setting Up Missionary Task Force To Abolish Alcohol And Drugs In TN
On 18 September 2024, VCK chief Thirumavalavan surprised everyone by sharing his 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.
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.
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