Chennai: Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol. Thirumavalavan has criticised the DMK, alleging that its leaders are singling out his party without first identifying the real reasons behind the post-election weakening of the DMK-led alliance.
In a video statement, Thirumavalavan said secularism remains his party’s principle, but politics cannot be done by alienating religious-minded people. He said he visited Tirupati on that basis, adding that political leaders should not dismiss religious practices. He also drew a distinction between personal faith and “Sanatanam”, saying his criticism is aimed at caste-based hierarchy.
He claimed that Chief Minister Vijay had invited him to join the TVK alliance about one-and-a-half years ago, and said the VCK could have emerged as a bigger force had it joined then. He added that if he had been driven by positions, he could have become a Union minister by joining the BJP-led alliance, and said he did not yield to talk about deputy chief minister or chief minister roles.
Thirumavalavan noted that the VCK contested within the DMK alliance and won two seats, calling it a victory for the alliance. However, he said he supported the TVK in forming the government based on what he described as a moral decision, and added that he could have joined the TVK cabinet even without winning as an MLA.
He also dismissed speculation about contesting any by-election, saying he would not contest any bypoll and that he has already conveyed this clearly to Chief Minister Vijay.
