VCK president Thol. Thirumavalavan has indicated that his party cadre can now openly criticise the DMK, on par with how they target the BJP and AIADMK, according to party sources.
The VCK had been part of the DMK-led alliance for about nine years and contested two Lok Sabha and two Assembly elections within that front, during which it also emerged as a recognised political party.
After the recent Assembly election, the VCK—earlier in the DMK alliance—extended support to the government formed under the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leadership and also joined the TVK cabinet. One of the party’s two MLAs has become a minister.
With the VCK, Congress, Muslim League and the two Communist parties moving away from the DMK alliance, DMK leaders expressed strong displeasure. DMK MP Raja and others sharply criticised the VCK, but Thirumavalavan had earlier asked party members to stay calm and avoid retaliation.
Now, with the VCK deciding to fully align with the TVK alliance, Thirumavalavan has given the green signal to criticise the DMK. VCK members said they had held back earlier due to alliance considerations, but would respond strongly if criticised going forward.
