Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol. Thirumavalavan has reportedly given party cadres the go-ahead to openly criticise the DMK, signalling a significant shift in the party’s political stance after formally aligning with the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led coalition, as per a Dinamalar report.
The reported directive comes after the VCK’s nine-year association with the DMK-led alliance came to an end following the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
During its time in the DMK alliance, the VCK contested two Lok Sabha elections and two Assembly elections and also attained recognition as a state political party.
Following the Assembly elections, however, the VCK extended its support to the TVK-led government and joined the ruling coalition. One of the party’s two MLAs was inducted into the State Cabinet as a minister.
The Congress, Indian Union Muslim League and both Communist parties also exited the DMK-led alliance and aligned themselves with the TVK-led front, a development that reportedly intensified resentment within the DMK.
According to reports, several DMK leaders, including MP A. Raja, launched strong attacks on the VCK after its decision to switch alliances.
Despite the criticism, Thirumavalavan had reportedly instructed VCK functionaries not to retaliate and to maintain restraint while the party was transitioning politically.
However, with the VCK now fully integrated into the TVK-led alliance, Thirumavalavan has reportedly informed party members that they are no longer bound by those restrictions.
According to VCK functionaries quoted in the report, there had been dissatisfaction with the DMK even while the party remained part of the alliance. They said they had deliberately refrained from publicly criticising the DMK because of the alliance arrangement.
The cadres further stated that even after leaving the DMK alliance, they chose not to respond to criticism from DMK leaders because Thirumavalavan had instructed them to remain silent.
Now, they said, it has become clear that there is no alliance with the DMK “for the foreseeable future.”
According to the VCK functionaries, Thirumavalavan has now told party members that they are free to criticise the DMK just as they criticise the BJP and the AIADMK.
They further stated that if DMK leaders continue attacking the VCK, the party would respond with “double the force.”
The reported directive is being viewed as a sign of deteriorating relations between the DMK and the VCK following the latter’s decision to join the TVK-led ruling coalition.
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