VCK president Thol. Thirumavalavan has said that his party was not pleased when the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) emerged as the single largest party and formed the government, pointing out that the VCK had contested the Assembly election as part of the DMK-led alliance and had previously criticised TVK, as reported in OneIndia Tamil.
Speaking at the VCK’s awards ceremony held at Kamarajar Arangam in Chennai, Thirumavalavan addressed criticism over the party’s decision to support the TVK government after the election. He maintained that the party’s support was based on the post-election political developments and not on any desire for power.
He said, “As Comrade Veerapandian noted, we are not happy that TVK has emerged as the single largest party and assumed power. Since we contested within the DMK alliance, how could we be happy? Moreover, we have criticized TVK in the past. How could we simply latch onto them or scramble for positions of power? Did we criticize them as the ‘child of the RSS’ only to turn around and beg, ‘We support you; please give me the Deputy Chief Minister post’? Did we wait around for such an opportunity? No. Our earlier remarks stemmed from genuine doubts.”
Thirumavalavan said TVK leader and Chief Minister Vijay had several options after the election but chose instead to seek the support of parties recognised for their secular credentials. According to him, that decision altered the VCK’s assessment of the party.
He said, “Had Chief Minister Vijay wished, he could have formed a government with AIADMK’s support—or with the backing of other parties in the AIADMK alliance. The decision Vijay took was surprising; however, the specific decision you made, setting all those other options aside, truly astonished us. It was a bold move to reach out to and seek support from forces like us, who are recognized by the people as secular. Therefore, it is our responsibility to acknowledge the stance you have taken. We had doubts regarding your commitment to secularism prior to the election, but the position you adopted after the election has dispelled those doubts. Hence, we extend our support and will stand firm with you.”
Reiterating the VCK’s commitment to the present government, Thirumavalavan said the party would honour its promise of support throughout the government’s tenure.
He said, “We will always remain true to our friendship. Your administration will continue for five years, and we have pledged our support for that. Where is the betrayal in this?”
Responding to questions over whether the VCK remained part of the DMK alliance, Thirumavalavan said it was the DMK leadership, not the VCK, that had publicly declared there was no longer an alliance between the two parties.
He said, “The DMK leadership itself announced that the VCK is not part of the DMK-led alliance; I did not announce it. I have not made such an announcement yet. We have not declared that the VCK is out of the DMK alliance, nor have we announced that we are in the TVK alliance. We are currently part of the cabinet. We participated in alliance discussions held on the 1st of the month, but no decision has been reached yet. If such an alliance is formed, we will be part of it; we have no doubt about that.”
Referring to the DMK’s public position, Thirumavalavan questioned why the responsibility for the break in the alliance was being attributed to the VCK.
He said, “The reason I mention this now is that when DMK leaders gathered and inducted a VCK member into their party, the DMK leadership itself stated that they had no relationship with the VCK. Was it I who said that? Who announced that there was no alliance with the VCK? It was former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, a man I respect. Did M.K. Stalin say it or not?”
Despite the political differences, Thirumavalavan stressed that he continued to maintain cordial personal relationships across party lines and distinguished between political disagreements and personal respect.
He said, “My respect for him will never diminish, that is a separate matter. I am someone who accords due respect even to BJP leaders. I am the kind of person who rushes to shake hands with ‘Sister’ Tamilisai whenever I see her or speaks to ‘Brother’ Pon. Radhakrishnan when I encounter him. If I see Anbumani at the airport, I run over to speak with him. This is my nature – a trait ingrained in my very blood. I cannot change this.”
Concluding his remarks, Thirumavalavan reiterated that he bore no personal animosity towards anyone and maintained that political alliances and personal relationships should not be confused.
He said, “The DMK must certainly do this… Has Stalin or rather, former Chief Minister and brother M.K. Stalin announced that the political alliance between the DMK and the VCK is over? Did he make this decision? Did I? I am raising this for the sake of my younger comrades. I harbor no ill will toward anyone. Politics is one thing, and personal relationships are another; one should not conflate the two.”
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