Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol. Thirumavalavan has once again criticised the DMK and called for the party to indulge in self-reflection. This comes days after he blamed the DMK for the VCK’s exit from the alliance.
Speaking to reporters, Thirumavalavan was asked about the direction in which he had been moving over the past three or four months, particularly in light of his recent remarks on Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader C. Joseph Vijay and his earlier position of acting as a “natural bridge” between the DK and DMK.
Responding to the question, Thirumavalavan said, “We remain true to ourselves; there is no change. That is, we stand firm on ideological grounds. I reiterate today that there is no significant gap—nor is there likely to be one—between the Dravidar Kazhagam, the DMK, and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal (VCK) in terms of advancing Periyar’s politics. I am confident that we can travel along the same ideological path; election results have created this situation.”
His remarks came amid a strained relationship between the VCK and DMK, with Thirumavalavan pointing to criticism directed at his party by sections of the DMK.
“Certain individuals supporting the DMK—or leaders at the second and third tiers of the party—have been criticizing us and labeling us as “traitors” for over 100 days, spanning four months. It was because of this persistent rhetoric that I expressed my views, suggesting that the DMK ought to subject itself to self-criticism,” he said.
Thirumavalavan said the DMK should reflect on the circumstances that led to the VCK leaving the alliance and on the nature of the relationship between the DMK and its allies during seat-sharing for the elections.
“I feel the DMK needs to engage in self-reflection regarding how the situation arose where long-time allies—such as the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal—left the coalition, and the nature of the relationship between the DMK and these parties at the time of seat-sharing during the elections. I put forward this view based on that perspective; my intention was not to cast blame on them,” he said.
He further said the VCK’s criticism of the DMK was made in response to criticism from sections supporting the ruling party.
“However, we are raising this point because we are being criticized by those who could otherwise be described as forces supportive of the DMK,” Thirumavalavan said.
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