Speaking to a gathering of party workers in Chennai, VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan affirmed that his party has not "officially" severed ties with the DMK. He criticised the media for singling out VCK while ignoring similar questions for rival leaders, particularly Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.

Historical Context of the Alliance

Formed in the early 1990s to represent Dalit and marginalized communities, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) has been a long‑standing ally of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). The partnership helped DMK secure crucial seats in successive elections, most notably the 2021 assembly poll where DMK won 59 seats, many of which were attributed to VCK's grassroots mobilisation.

Recent Controversy and Thirumavalavan’s Response

On July 7, Thirumavalavan remarked that VCK’s participation in a TVK‑led cabinet would not equate to abandoning the DMK alliance. The comment sparked a flurry of criticism from opposition parties, with MDMK chief Vaiko mockingly suggesting a "Nobel Prize" for Thirumavalavan’s stance. While TVK dismissed the uproar as "the beauty of democracy," Thirumavalavan maintained that his remarks were misinterpreted.

Call for Political Maturity

Thirumavalavan argued that Tamil Nadu’s politics has become "uncultured" and urged leaders to adopt a more mature, collaborative approach. He cited examples from other states where parties supporting the BJP still maintain cordial relations with Congress, and where rival legislators shake hands, share coffee, and even embrace in Parliament.

Vision for a National Anti‑BJP Coalition

Emphasising a national perspective, Thirumavalavan said that irrespective of local differences, parties like TVK and DMK must be part of an "INDIA" bloc to defeat the BJP’s communal agenda. He stressed that alliances need not be rigid; friendships can coexist with formal coalitions, provided political actors act with decorum and transparency.

In sum, VCK’s claim of not having formally left the DMK alliance underscores a push for broader, more flexible opposition politics, both within Tamil Nadu and at the national level.