VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan, speaking to reporters in Chennai, said he is putting off his decision to contest the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly election, describing it as a change in strategy.
Recalling his political journey, he said he had earlier won from the Mangalore constituency but resigned the post after about two-and-a-half years. He added that he later wanted to contest from Kattumannarkoil in an AIADMK alliance, but stepped aside in favour of a leader who is now the Tamil Nadu Congress chief. He also noted that he contested the 2016 Assembly election and lost by 87 votes.
Thirumavalavan said right-wing forces were gaining strength and alleged that such parties tried to push him out of the DMK-led alliance to weaken it. He claimed he has been a key factor in keeping the alliance cohesive.
He also rejected what he called rumours that a hung Assembly after the election would lead to a coalition government and that he was planning to quit his MP post to enter the Assembly with an eye on the Deputy Chief Minister’s position. He further dismissed allegations that VCK lost chances for three MLA seats because of his support for the DMK.
Announcing the party’s plan for Kattumannarkoil, he said Jyothimani, son of Iyapperumal who fought for caste abolition in the constituency, will be the VCK candidate.
