Political turmoil in Tamil Nadu, VCK breaks alliance
Chennai, July 7;
VCK President Thol Thirumavalavan has said that the joining of a former VCK MLA into the DMK in the presence of former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin signals the end of the political alliance between the two parties.
Rejecting allegations that the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) had betrayed the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, Mr. Thirumavalavan said it was the DMK leadership, not the VCK, that first announced there was no alliance.
Speaking at the party’s 2026 awards function in Chennai on Sunday night, he dismissed the allegations of backstabbing as politically motivated. He said, “Who betrayed whom? Anyone with a conscience knows the truth. Everyone knows how true I am in friendship.”
The VCK leader alleged that nearly two years before the assembly elections, attempts were made to persuade him to leave the alliance by offering political inducements. However, he said he refused all such offers because he had played a role in forming the alliance and would not allow it to weaken.
Referring to earlier developments, Mr. Thirumavalavan said that another political group had publicly offered the VCK a share in power if it joined forces with them. Although this invitation was largely perceived as aimed at his party, he did not accept it or form a new alliance.
He also denied allegations that he had negotiated the post of Deputy Chief Minister or considered financial considerations before supporting the ruling TVK. He said, “Many people are trying to weaken us and harm our leadership. I know who I am.”
Without naming individuals, he said he has refrained from disclosing many political developments. He said, “If I start speaking, many things will come to light. I have decided not to do so.”
Defending the VCK’s decision to support the TVK, he said the party had already informed the DMK leadership of its stand and the reasons behind it. Asserting that his personal respect for Mr. Stalin had remained unchanged, Mr. Thirumavalavan reiterated that the DMK leadership had ended the political relationship. He also challenged critics to provide evidence to prove their claim that the VCK had betrayed the alliance.
