Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thirumavalavan, who recently created a stir within the DMK alliance by inviting the opposition AIADMK to his alcohol prohibition conference and demanding power-sharing with the ruling DMK, initially was seen as having a major political impact way ahead of the assembly election. However, this anticipated move appears to have fizzled out too easily.
Despite facing significant criticism for his alliance with the DMK and failing to voice dissent against the suppression of Dalits in the current regime, Thirumavalavan’s recent assertive stance suddenly with indirect statement like “we need power share not just seat share” was seen as bold, akin to a feral panther. However, the roaring panther turned to a purring kitten immediately after he visited the DMK headquarters in Arivalayam and met with DMK chief and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin upon his return from the US.
Now, the VCK chief is facing mockery from the opposition and criticism within his own party. While the DMK and its allies, including the VCK, often champion social justice, equality, and self-respect, the situation has turned around.
When a leader from the alliance subtly requested a share in cabinet power, it was met with threats rather than dialogue. Thirumavalavan, who had previously been a strong advocate for complete alcohol prohibition in Tamil Nadu, has recently shifted his stance to support reducing sales and urging the central government to enact legislation. This situation underscores the reality that the DMK, a fascist party, with its alliances appearing merely subordinate to its will.
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. In response, Thirumavalavan said, “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 also can 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 launched a strong condemnation of 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 favorable resolution. This incident has prompted speculation about the VCK’s relationship with the DMK and what Thirumavalavan’s next moves might be.
‘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 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, 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.
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