Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol. Thirumavalavan has said that his party’s decision to join hands with Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) was “an order of the times”, while arguing that there could be no better opportunity for the VCK to share power, as reported in OneIndia Tamil.
Thirumavalavan made the remarks at a campaign meeting of the Secular Social Justice Victory Alliance held in support of TVK candidate Maragatham Kumaravel in the Madurantakam Assembly constituency by-election.
Speaking at the meeting, Thirumavalavan said a new alliance had emerged that could determine the direction of Tamil Nadu politics.
“A new alliance has been formed that will determine the direction of the political arena in Tamil Nadu. The VCK has joined the Secular Social Justice Victory Alliance, which has been formed with the principles of secularism and social justice at its forefront. The VCK has never taken political decisions by projecting an individual or by prioritising positions or power under any circumstances. It has taken decisions based on principles,” he said.
Explaining the VCK’s decision to work with TVK, he pointed to the leaders and social figures that TVK has identified as its ideological mentors.
“TVK has projected Periyar, Ambedkar, Kamarajar, Velu Nachiyar and Anjalai Ammal as its ideological mentors. Therefore, the VCK has no ideological contradiction in working together with TVK,” Thirumavalavan said.
He also referred to the previous Assembly election and said the verdict given by voters should be respected irrespective of whether political parties agree with it.
“In the last Assembly election, while more than 20 parties contested as one alliance and TVK contested alone, the people of Tamil Nadu gave that party 108 seats. That verdict may not be liked by many. It may be bitter. But in a democracy, we must respect the verdict given by the people,” he said.
Thirumavalavan then described the VCK’s alliance with TVK as a consequence of the political circumstances.
“My joining hands with TVK is a command from time. What better opportunity could there be than this for the VCK to share power?” he said.
Drawing a comparison with the BJP’s approach to smaller parties at the Centre, Thirumavalavan added, “Even when the BJP, which we criticise, wins with a clear majority in Delhi, it gives ministerial positions to smaller parties as well.”
Subscribe to our channels on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram and YouTube to get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
