A Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) event to introduce its Assembly candidates was held at the party office in Ashok Nagar, Chennai. However, the programme saw limited participation, with only supporters of the announced candidates attending.
Several state and district-level functionaries reportedly boycotted the event. Sitting MLAs S.S. Balaji, Aloor Shanavas and Panaiyur Babu, who were denied tickets, also did not attend.
The developments come amid internal pressure within the party after VCK was allotted eight seats in the DMK-led alliance. Sources said there was intense competition for tickets in constituencies such as Kattumannarkoil and Kallakurichi, and arguments were reported during interviews held in Thirumavalavan’s presence.
Thirumavalavan later announced the candidates through a video posted on his social media page. In a move that surprised party cadres, he said he would contest from Kattumannarkoil, while Malathi, daughter of his sister Bhanumathi, was named as the candidate for Kallakurichi.
After the candidate introduction programme, Thirumavalavan was expected to meet reporters, but he left without a media interaction. In an interview to a private TV channel, he said VCK had sought more seats but accepted the outcome considering the political situation, and insisted that all partners in the DMK alliance should be respected.
