Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thol. Thirumavalavan, who had recently called for Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s resignation following the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir—where innocent Hindu tourists were targeted appeared to backtrack when questioned about a similar demand for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. The question referred to the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, which resulted in 68 deaths.
While speaking to the press in Trichy during a Dravidar Kazhagam event, a reporter brought up a circulating rumor, asking, “There is talk that this terror attack was staged as a distraction from the public protests against the Waqf Act.”
Thirumavalavan responded, “We cannot make comments based on speculation. An attack of this scale could not have been planned in just a day or two after the Act came into the being. These activities likely began many months ago, especially after the repeal of Article 370. They could not have planned and implemented this plan in a day or two.”
Another reporter challenged him, saying, “There is an accusation against you that, ‘You demanded Amit Shah’s resignation. But over 40-50 have died due to the hooch tragedy, Why haven’t you asked the Chief Minister to step down?”
Caught off guard, Thirumavalavan stood up from his seat, smiled, and dismissed the question, saying, “That’s a trivial accusation. It has nothing to do with this and that, what does that incident have to do with the Kallakurichi incident?”
The reporters continued pressing him, with one reporter noting, “Owaisi himself has said the attack was religiously motivated, but Tamil Nadu MPs are being accused of targeting the BJP out of spite.”
Thirumavalavan responded, “Why would we be envious of the BJP? They are a major political party, a national party, and the nation’s ruling party. What can we gain opposing them out of spite.”
When the reporter reminded him that Owaisi is a Muslim leader, Thirumavalavan replied, “Right, that’s his view. But we can’t say for certain that the incident was driven by religion. They have draw attention by attacking the Union Government of India. If you send people here, we will continue such attacks.’ They are warning the public, discouraging tourism, and urging people not to trust the Union Government. This is the message of the terrorists. We should understand it as it is—there’s no need for further interpretation.”
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