TVK government’s Social Justice Minister and senior Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Vanni Arasu has declared that his party will remain committed to “completely eradicate” Sanatana Dharma.
Speaking on Thursday, 17 September 2026, on the occasion of Periyar E.V. Ramasamy’s birth anniversary, observed as Social Justice Day in Tamil Nadu, Arasu said Periyar had been uncompromising in his opposition to Sanatana Dharma, patriarchy and the caste system.
He said the VCK would continue that legacy and take a vow to protect Tamil Nadu’s rights and eradicate Sanatana Dharma.
Speaking to the press, Arasu said, “Our leader Thirumavalavan has called for this day to be declared as ‘Social Justice’ Day during the previous DMK government. Based on that request it was announced that the birth anniversary is being celebrated as Social Justice Day. VCK is also taking it forward as social justice day. Thanthai Periyar was a staunch opponent of Sanatana and a man who made no compromises. Thanthai Periyar was one who fought uncompromisingly to eradicate patriarchy. Thanthai Periyar was one who fought uncompromisingly to eradicate the caste system. Similarly, it was Thanthai Periyar who proclaimed the need to safeguard the distinctiveness and identity of Tamil Nadu, as well as the identity of the Tamil nationality. On his birth anniversary, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal (VCK) remains steadfast in its resolve to safeguard Tamil Nadu’s rights and to completely eradicate Sanatana. We observe the birthday of this leader – a champion of equality and social justice whose legacy is upheld by people across Tamil Nadu as if it were our own.”
VIJAY’S ALLY VOWS TO ERADICATE SANATAN.
WILL “INCLUSIVE” TVK TAKE S STAND?TN Minister and VCK leader Vanni Arasu: Periyar was keen to eradicate Sanatanam. He pushed for equality. He fought for state’s rights. On his birth anniversary, VCK takes pledge to fight for state’s… pic.twitter.com/eUpf1WMhAK
— Rahul Shivshankar (@RShivshankar) September 17, 2026
Vanni Arasu Is Not Merely A VCK Functionary
The distinction, however, comes against the fact that Arasu is not merely a VCK office-bearer. He is a serving minister in the Vijay-led Tamil Nadu government.
Vanni Arasu was inducted into the Cabinet in May 2026 as part of the expansion that brought VCK and Indian Union Muslim League representatives into the TVK government. He was appointed the state’s first Minister for Social Justice and was also given charge of the Adi Dravidar Welfare and Hill Tribes portfolio. The appointment was made on the recommendation of Chief Minister Vijay.
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