VCK president Thol. Thirumavalavan has said it is not appropriate to ask alliance parties that prefer to contest on their own election symbols to instead contest on the symbol of the party leading the alliance. In a letter addressed as an appeal to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, he argued that such a demand would curb the independent political functioning of partner parties.
Referring to the recent seat-sharing talks, Thirumavalavan said the friction over allocating seats to Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) has pushed the party towards a situation where it may decide not to contest the election. While he described MNM’s stated intent to still work for the victory of the secular alliance as a civilised approach, he expressed concern that MNM staying out of the contest could affect the alliance’s public standing.
He maintained that if a party voluntarily chooses to contest on the lead party’s symbol, accepting it would be a significant help to that party. However, compelling a partner that wants a separate symbol to use the lead party’s symbol, he said, would amount to interference and would not reflect democratic respect for allies.
Calling the present moment a crucial fight against right-wing forces, Thirumavalavan urged that MNM should join the electoral contest as an active participant alongside the alliance. He also appealed for Kamal Haasan to take part in the ideological battle under the alliance’s leadership.
Thirumavalavan further requested that, irrespective of the number of seats allotted, MNM should be permitted to contest on its own ‘Torch’ symbol. He said this would strengthen goodwill towards the alliance and reinforce respect for its leadership, helping the alliance’s call of “We will win together” to be fulfilled in spirit.
