Latest news with #ViduthalaiChiruthaigalKatchi
The Hindu
14 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Ramadoss should reject BJP and ‘politics of hate', promote peace between the Vanniyars and the Dalits, says VCK MP
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi general secretary and Villupuram MP D. Ravikumar has urged PMK founder S. Ramadoss to reject the BJP and the 'politics of hate' to protect peace and promote development in northern districts of Tamil Nadu, where the Vanniyars and the Scheduled Castes live in large numbers. Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Ravikumar said his appeal to Dr. Ramadoss — which came after the PMK founder spoke fondly of VCK president Thol. Thirumavalavan in an interview — was born out of the concern that Dr. Ramadoss and the PMK should not 'inadvertently' aid the growth of the BJP in Tamil Nadu. 'The Vanniyars and the Scheduled Castes are two largest communities in the northern districts. If Dr. Ramadoss rejects the BJP, the national party would find it impossible to form a government in the State. It cannot win [in elections] without taking root in the northern districts,' he said. While Mr. Thirumavalavan had repeatedly rejected any alliance with the PMK or the BJP, Mr. Ravikumar said his appeal to Dr. Ramadoss should not be seen in the context of the 2026 Assembly election, but in the larger context of ensuring peace and calm in society. Mr. Ravikumar said Dr. Ramadoss's rejection of hate politics against the Scheduled Castes would pave the way for fraternity and peace among the Vanniyars and the Scheduled Castes in the villages. 'If the PMK ends the politics of hate against the Scheduled Castes, the atrocities against the Scheduled Castes will come down. Those who cause trouble to the Scheduled Castes in villages do so because of the shade of protection given by the PMK,' he said. 'Even in the Melpathi temple issue, it was the PMK's advocate, K. Balu, who spoke in support of the social exclusion of the Scheduled Castes from the temple. If the PMK lets go of this kind of politics, the atrocities will come down automatically,' he felt. The Villupuram MP added that the 'Vanniyar community has a proud history of playing a leading role in progressive politics in the State — it has been an important part of the Dravidian Movement and the Left politics. The Vanniyars do not harbour as much hate against the Scheduled Castes as other communities in the southern districts. If Dr. Ramadoss softens his stance, the Scheduled Castes in the northern districts can rest easy, and this will result in the overall development of the region.'
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Vaigaichelvan claims DMK's front has suffered a ‘dent'
The AIADMK's spokesperson and former Minister Vaigaichelvan on Wednesday claimed the ruling DMK-led front had suffered a 'dent.' In an interaction with the media in Kancheepuram, Mr Vaigaichelvan, who recently met Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thol. Thirumavalavan in Tiruchi, said that 'this is the first stage. You will see subsequent stages.' However, he refused to elaborate his main point. Meanwhile, the AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami announced the expulsion of the party councillor, secretary of the Thoothukudi (south) area and and former Minister S.P. Shanmuganathan's son S. P.S. Raja from the organisation. Mr Raja was arrested on Tuesday in connection with a case of allegedly cheating his sister to the tune of ₹17 crore.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Nation and secularism are much above electoral gains: Thirumavalavan
Reiterating that upholding the Constitution and secular values took precedence over electoral arithmetic, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president and Chidambaram MP Thol. Thirumavalavan on Saturday led a massive rally and public conference in Tiruchi, declaring that religion should remain a personal matter and not a function of the State. 'Our alliance with the DMK is not for short-term political gains but is grounded in shared ideology and a long-term vision for social justice,' Mr. Thirumavalavan said, addressing party cadre after a mammoth rally to 'Safeguard Secularism.' 'The Constitution drafted by Ambedkar must be defended in letter and spirit — for liberty, equality, and fraternity. The nation is paramount and above elections and electoral alliances,' he said. Criticising the BJP, Mr. Thirumavalavan said, 'They invoke Hinduism but fail to address caste-based discrimination within it. Have they ever spoken up for temple entry rights for Scheduled Castes? Religion must remain personal — the State has no business promoting any faith.' 'Youth won't go behind heroes' Taking a veiled swipe at actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), he dismissed speculation that youth could go behind heroes. None of our cadre who have accepted Ambedkar as leader would go behind heroes, he said. Through resolutions adopted at the rally, the party demanded, among other things, the withdrawal of the Waqf Amendment Act and the Citizenship Amendment Act. Earlier, Mr. Thirumavalavan led the rally from the TVS toll gate junction to the Tiruchi City Corporation office. The event was marked by the participation of party members donning blue suits and red ties, in a symbolic gesture inspired by Dr. Ambedkar.
New Indian Express
14-06-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Will seek more seats to contest, but at the right time: VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan
TIRUCHY: Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol Thirumavalavan on Friday said his party will demand more seats to contest in 2026 elections as part of the DMK-led alliance, but clarified that alliance harmony will be prioritised over individual gains. 'We have expectations and will ask for more seats in all elections. But alliance interest is more important than the party's interest. Decisions will be taken at the right time through talks. Though we believe in power sharing, upcoming election is not the apt time for it,' Thirumavalavan told reporters in Tiruchy. He was speaking ahead of the party's 'Save secularism' rally scheduled on Saturday. Thirumavalavan criticised the BJP for politicising religion, pointing to the Murugan Maanadu. 'Instead of addressing real issues like social justice and Dalit rights, the BJP is trying to divert attention by holding religious events like the Murugan Maanadu for political mileage,' he said. On BJP's claims of winning 2026 election, he said, 'It's a political illusion. Amit Shah couldn't get PMK or DMDK leaders to meet him – the alliance isn't whole.' He concluded that while corruption is serious, caste and religious extremism pose a bigger threat.
The Hindu
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Traffic diversion in Tiruchi for VCK rally on June 14
The police have announced traffic diversions in Tiruchi city from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday in view of the rally to be taken out by the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi members from Jamal Mohamed College to Campion Higher Secondary School. Buses going to Chennai, Salem, Namakkal, and Thanjavur from the Central bus stand will proceed via Periyar statue, Aristo overbridge, Mannarpuram, and the national highway and return. Chennai-bound buses from Pudukottai will be diverted at Wireless Road and proceed via K.K. Nagar, LIC Colony junction, Sundar Nagar, and Mannarpuram. City buses bound for the central bus stand from Palakkarai will be diverted at Palakkarai overbridge and proceed via Beema Nagar, Court, Collectorate Office Road and Periyamilaguparai. City buses plying from the Central Bus Stand on Palakkarai route will go via Vestry roundabout, MGR statue, Puthur Four Road junction, South Arch and Thennur overbridge. Heavy vehicles coming from G Corner and proceeding to airport and Pudukottai would have to go via Mannarpuram overbridge, Chettiyapatti bridge, check post 2 and new ring road. All vehicles proceeding to TVS Tollgate from MGR statue roundabout would have to go via Cantonment AWPS junction, YWCA, Vestry Roundabout, Collector Office Road, Periyamilaguparai, Aristo overbridge and Mannarpuram. Other vehicles proceeding towards the airport and Pudukottai from G Corner would have to go via Mannarpuram, K.K. Nagar and Wireless Road. A press release from the Tiruchi City Police advised the general public to avoid the stretch from TVS Tollgate to Cantonment AWPS junction till such time the rally commences and gets over and take the alternative route.
