CHENNAI: In a bold declaration that has stirred political waters in Tamil Nadu, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) Chief Thol Thirumavalavan has voiced aspirations to become Prime Minister of India, drawing comparisons to current PM Narendra Modi. The statement, made during a recent public meeting organised by VCK’s Vellore, Ranipet, and Tiruvallur Mandals, has ignited discussions across the state’s political landscape.
Thirumavalavan, who is also the Lok Sabha MP for Chidambaram, addressed his supporters passionately, asserting, “Should I not aspire to become Prime Minister? If Modi can be Prime Minister of India, why shouldn’t Thirumavalavan become Prime Minister? Or at least, we will become a Deputy Prime Minister like Jagjivan Ram, that’s what our aim is.” His remarks come amidst increasing tensions within the DMK alliance, where VCK has been vocal about its demands for a greater share of power and influence.
மோடி பிரதமராகும் போது…, நான் பிரதமராக கூடாதா..? – விசிக தலைவர் தொல். திருமாவளவன் கேள்வி #vck | #thol_thirumavalan | #Modi | #BJP | #VelichamTV |@thirumaofficial pic.twitter.com/9YOl2KK9xA
— Velicham TV (@velichamtvtamil) September 18, 2024
The VCK leader’s ambitions have not gone unnoticed by political observers, who view his statements as a strategic move aimed at asserting his party’s position within the coalition government led by the DMK. Thirumavalavan’s recent maneuvers, including invitations to opposition parties like AIADMK to discussions on issues such as alcohol prohibition, underscore his intent to carve out a more prominent role in state and national politics.
Earlier in September, Thirumavalavan had criticised the DMK indirectly for the prevalent alcohol addiction in Tamil Nadu, linking it to the tragic Kallakuruchi hooch incident. His demand for “power share, not just seat share” from the DMK administration has been interpreted as a bold assertion of VCK’s aspirations beyond mere electoral representation.
However, political analysts note that despite these vocal ambitions, Thirumavalavan’s statements could be seen as a pressure tactic to negotiate a stronger position within the alliance rather than a concrete plan for immediate advancement to higher offices. His recent meeting with Chief Minister MK Stalin at the DMK headquarters was seen as a step towards bridging the apparent rift and reaffirming his party’s commitment to the alliance.
The VCK chief’s rhetoric has sparked a debate on the dynamics of coalition politics in Tamil Nadu, where smaller parties often find themselves balancing between alliance loyalty and aspirations for greater political influence. Thirumavalavan’s call for “power sharing” has resonated with sections of the electorate who perceive a need for more inclusive governance and representation.
In response to the developments, opposition parties have seized upon the perceived discord within the DMK alliance, questioning its stability and coherence. The AIADMK and other political rivals have criticised Thirumavalavan’s statements as ambitious yet premature, given the complexities of coalition governance.
Meanwhile, within the VCK ranks, there is a palpable sense of optimism and renewed vigour following their leader’s assertive stance. Supporters believe that Thirumavalavan’s uncompromising advocacy for social justice issues combined with his political acumen could potentially reshape the state’s political landscape in the coming years.
Thol Thirumavalavan, the leader of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), has found himself at the center of a political storm in Tamil Nadu following his recent interactions with Chief Minister MK Stalin and the scheduling of an upcoming anti-liquor conference.
After a meeting with CM Stalin, Thirumavalavan indicated a shift in his stance on the issue of alcohol prohibition. Initially advocating for a complete ban on liquor, he now reported that Stalin had agreed only to reduce sales. This development has raised eyebrows, particularly within the VCK cadre, who have been vocal proponents of stringent prohibition measures.
இன்று மாண்புமிகு தமிழ்நாடு முதல்வர் அண்ணண் தளபதி @mkstalin அவர்களை சந்தித்து "தமிழகத்தில் படிப்படியாக மதுவிலக்கை நடைமுறைப்படுத்த வேண்டும், அரசமைப்புச் சட்ட உறுப்பு எண் 47ன்-படி தேசிய மதுவிலக்கு கொள்கையை உருவாக்கிட ஒன்றிய அரசை வலியுறுத்த வேண்டும்" ஆகிய கோரிக்கைகளை முன்வைத்தேன். pic.twitter.com/m1k4lcgUu4
— Thol. Thirumavalavan (@thirumaofficial) September 16, 2024
The VCK’s planned anti-liquor conference, scheduled for October 2, 2024 in Kallakurichi, aims to advocate for total alcohol prohibition in the state. Interestingly, this date coincides with Gandhi Jayanti, a national holiday when liquor shops are typically closed, potentially amplifying the impact of the conference.
மது மற்றும் போதைப் பொருள் ஒழிப்பு
மகளிர் மாநாடுகிறித்தவ அமைப்புகளை ஒருங்கிணைக்கும் பணிக்குழு பின்வருமாறு அமைக்கப்படுகிறது pic.twitter.com/qtxI3eqgdQ
— Thol. Thirumavalavan (@thirumaofficial) September 18, 2024
However, dissent within the alliance has surfaced, as the DMK, which includes leaders with interests in distilleries and breweries, faces pressure regarding its participation in an event that opposes its economic interests. VCK’s strategic scheduling of the conference on a day symbolic of Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of non-violence and prohibition adds another layer of significance to the event.
In a surprising turn, VCK cadres have resorted to unique protests, pouring liquor on roads to symbolize their demand for prohibition. This unconventional form of protest underscores the intensity of emotions surrounding the issue within the party.
Moreover, Thirumavalavan’s recent statements and actions have not been without controversy. The removal of a 62-foot flagpole in Madurai, which symbolized the founding principles of the VCK, has sparked criticism and debate over its significance in the current political context.
இந்தியாவிலே மிக மோசமான சாதிக் கட்சி வி.சி.க. தான்.. இவர் பா.ஜ.க.வை பற்றி பேசலாமா..? – H.ராஜா#Chennai | #BJP | #VCK | #HRaja | #KaruNagarajan | #Thirumavalavan | #PolimerNews pic.twitter.com/iLmKajoCvC
— Polimer News (@polimernews) September 16, 2024
In another move to bolster support for the anti-liquor conference, Thirumavalavan announced a Women’s Conference focused on eradicating alcohol and drug abuse. He highlighted the formation of a Task Force involving Christian organizations, including members from various denominations such as CSI, ESI, and TELC. This initiative aims to broaden the coalition against alcohol consumption but has also raised questions about whether the conference primarily targets specific communities or seeks broader support across Tamil Nadu.
Amidst these developments, criticism has also emerged from political opponents. H. Raja, President of the Tamil Nadu BJP Coordinating Committee, condemned VCK as a caste-based party and accused Thirumavalavan of divisive politics. Raja’s remarks reflect broader criticisms of VCK’s approach, particularly regarding its stance on caste issues and alliances with other political parties.
Responding to these criticisms, Thirumavalavan defended VCK’s position on power-sharing within alliances and reiterated the party’s long-standing demand for a more equitable distribution of political influence. He clarified that VCK remains open to engaging with opposition parties like AIADMK on issues of mutual concern, including alcohol prohibition.
