Several Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) functionaries are reportedly unhappy with the party’s participation in the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) cabinet, and have been pressuring party president Thol. Thirumavalavan, according to sources cited in the report.
The discontent is linked to earlier decisions around the Assembly election. Thirumavalavan had announced that the party would contest, but later stepped back. In addition, sitting MLAs Aloor Sha Nawaz, Balaji and Panaiyur Babu were denied tickets, after which the three distanced themselves from the party leadership.
Balaji was later made the party treasurer and Aloor Sha Nawaz the principal secretary. While Balaji is said to have continued party work, Sha Nawaz has reportedly stayed away from party events and removed the party responsibility from his social media profiles.
Panaiyur Babu has already quit, criticising the VCK’s alliance with TVK after earlier remarks against it. With reports suggesting Sha Nawaz and other functionaries could also leave and join the DMK, Thirumavalavan is said to be trying to pacify them.
VCK functionaries quoted in the report said some leaders wanted Thirumavalavan to become a minister when VCK was invited to join the TVK cabinet, but he instead recommended Vanni Arasu. They added that Thirumavalavan is in talks with TVK seeking a Rajya Sabha MP post for Sha Nawaz, and is also planning to seek local body positions—such as two mayor posts and municipal chairperson posts—to offer to dissatisfied functionaries.
