Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol. Thirumavalavan. File.
| Photo Credit: M. Vedhan
VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan on Tuesday expressed shock and concern over the “personal attacks” made during the recent DMK protests against Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s speech in the Assembly.
“It was shocking and worrying that they resorted to personal attacks and made references in the singular rather than confining to political or ideological criticisms… It cannot be denied that the speeches during the protests left even members of the public wincing in revulsion,” Mr. Thirumavalvan said, commenting on the registration of cases against DMK MP A. Raja and MLA P.K. Sekarbabu for their alleged derogatory remarks against Mr. Vijay and Law Minister C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar during the protest.
The Dravidian party held the protests on September 12 condemning Mr. Vijay’s speech in the Assembly, especially with respect to former Chief Minister M. K. Stalin.
Speaking to reporters at Tiruchi airport, Mr. Thirumavalavan pointed out that the DMK was a political movement with a long history and had its moorings in the ideology of Thanthai Periyar. Leaders such as Anna and Kalaignar (former Chief Ministers C. N. Annadurai and M. Karunanidhi) had never crossed the limits of decency even when faced with crude personal attacks. “We travelled with former Chief Minister M. K. Stalin for 10-15 years; he too had not spoken in an uncivilised or emotional manner,” he said.
On the power supply situation in the State, he said it was true that power cuts were happening and the government should pay better attention to the matter and take steps to rectify the situation.
When pointed out that Ministers were claiming that there was no load shedding, Mr.Thirumavalavan felt that they (Ministers) were merely communicating the information provided by officials. “I request the officials to provide correct information to the Ministers,” he said.
To another query, he said that farmers were not satisfied with the loan waiver announced by the State government. “I have taken up the issue with the Chief Minister when I met him recently and urged him to consider the farmers demand,” he said.
On his recent criticisms of the DMK’s attitude towards its erstwhile allies, Mr.Thirumavalavan said that he only wanted the Dravidian major to subject itself to self-scrutiny. “Some are needlessly maligning us under the pretext of supporting the DMK. We are accused of betrayal and exiting the alliance for the sake of power, which was not right. It is an attack on VCK leadership,” he maintained.
On the use of money power in by-elections, Mr.Thirumavalavan said the Election Commission should take responsibility to prevent such practices.
Published – September 15, 2026 07:41 pm IST
