VCK Chief Thol Thirumavalavan Calls for DMK and TVK to Unite Under INDIA Bloc to Challenge BJP
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol Thirumavalavan has advocated a broader Opposition alliance at the national level, saying both the DMK and the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) should be part of the INDIA bloc despite their political differences in Tamil Nadu.
Addressing reporters in Ariyalur on Wednesday, the Lok Sabha MP said the priority should be to build a united front capable of taking on the BJP nationally. He argued that regional political rivalries should not become an obstacle to larger national objectives and stressed that Opposition parties must work together on issues of common concern.
Thirumavalavan also clarified that the VCK has not formally severed ties with the DMK, dismissing speculation that surfaced after a former VCK legislator joined the ruling party. He maintained that political relationships should not be judged solely on isolated developments and said alliances should be viewed with greater political maturity.
His latest remarks come days after comments on coalition politics sparked debate in Tamil Nadu's political circles. While some leaders interpreted his earlier statements as signalling a shift in alliance equations, Thirumavalavan said healthy political engagement should not automatically be viewed as the collapse of an alliance.
He also questioned why cordial relations between political rivals often attract controversy in Tamil Nadu, pointing out that leaders from opposing parties at the national level frequently maintain professional relationships despite ideological differences. According to him, democratic politics should allow parties to engage respectfully without every interaction being interpreted as a political realignment.
Reacting to comments made by MDMK leader Vaiko, who jokingly suggested he deserved a Nobel Prize over the alliance debate, Thirumavalavan responded light-heartedly, saying he would gladly thank Vaiko if such an honour ever came his way.
The VCK chief also urged the Congress to strengthen coordination with regional allies, suggesting that disagreements within the Opposition alliance in different states should be addressed through dialogue rather than confrontation. He referred to political differences involving regional parties in states such as Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Kerala, stressing that maintaining unity would be crucial for the Opposition's future strategy.
His statement comes at a time when discussions over alliance dynamics are gaining momentum ahead of upcoming electoral contests, with Opposition parties weighing regional interests against the need for a coordinated national campaign.
