The Importance of Being Thol Thirumavalavan

Sridhar Kannan

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) President Thol Thirumavalavan’s call for a coalition govt is not just a demand for power sharing, but also a statement that he has emerged as the sole champion of Dalits in Tamil Nadu. Having sailed with different electoral alliances yet maintaining the image of a reliable ally who can give the combine the winning edge, Thirumavalavan achieved what many other Dalit leaders could not. VCK now aspires to be the ‘third barrel’ alongside DMK and DK in firing the Dravidian ammunition.

Dalits make up 20% of the voting population in Tamil Nadu and are a critical factor in the state’s unique caste-oriented voting pattern. VCK is solidifying its position, aiming to play a crucial role in the power dynamics leading up to the 2026 assembly election. Recently, the party held an anti-liquor and anti-drug conference in Kallakurichi, a town in northern Tamil Nadu where Dalits hold considerable sway.

Dalit parties have won seats in elected houses, but Paraiyars (13% of the population), Pallars (5%), and Arundhathiyars (2%) who fall under the bracket have remained on the margins. While Puthiya Tamilagam leader K Krishnasamy, who sought to represent the Pallars, saw limited electoral success, Thirumavalavan is trying to expand his sphere of influence beyond the Paraiyar sect.

“Thirumavalavan tried hard to transcend castes,” says C Lakshmanan, retired Madras Institute of Development Studies Professor and Convenor of the Dalits Intellectual Collective. “He is from the Adi Dravidar community, but never publicises the fact. Unfortunately, he is branded a Dalit leader.” Lakshmanan believes no political party leader today in the state can match Thirumavalavan’s charisma. “We believe that VCK played a crucial role in helping DMK win the assembly election in 2021 and Lok Sabha polls in 2024. DMK is in power today because of VCK,” says Lakshmanan.

“DMK and AIADMK are always apprehensive about possible backlash while addressing issues related to Dalits,” says Thirumavalavan. “Every party fears that non-Dalits will turn against them if they are pro-Dalit.” He adds that those in power or who want to capture power are taking measured steps when it comes to Dalits to safeguard their vote bank.

“If opponents label them as anti-non-Dalit, it poses a problem for parties. That apprehension is now evident, which is why DMK and AIADMK are soft-pedalling on the issue. There is a fear that moving too quickly would bring resentment towards their parties,” says Thirumavalavan.

Actor Vijay’s political entry with Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has only increased VCK’s utility value in the DMK alliance. With AIADMK remaining in splinters and BJP struggling to grow its base in Tamil Nadu, VCK, with a notable presence in the northern districts, brings ideological strength and diversity to an alliance.

Some within VCK believe the 2026 assembly election could mirror 2006, with new players trying to change caste dynamics. The northern belt’s 78 seats will be crucial, as they were in 2021, when this region played a decisive role in shaping the fortunes of the major Dravidian parties. In that election, DMK won about 60 of 132 seats from this belt alone.

“Thirumavalavan is an uncompromising, knowledge-driven leader committed to Dalit issues,” says VCK Deputy General Secretary Aadhav Arjuna. “I believe power-sharing is on the horizon. We might see a repeat of 2006, where no party secured a clear majority. The allies will be supportive, and power-sharing will happen. We want to be part of governance — why shouldn’t we?” Arjuna adds that catering to diverse ideologies such as communism, Dalit empowerment, and minority representation is needed for greater inclusivity.

“Striking this ideological balance will strengthen the coalition and pave the way for a progressive future. Alliances are needed for any party aiming to cross the magical number of 118 seats to form a govt.”

The Dalit community has long been a target for political mobilisation in the state. Thirumavalavan cites the historical context of parties such as DMK and the Left focusing on Dalits. “Dalits have not emerged as a powerful unified force. Every community has become political and cannot be broken, unlike Dalits, who remain non-political. Targeting them and saying we are working for them has been a kind of politics for a long time,” says Thirumavalavan.

VCK is preparing to distribute membership cards amid recognition from the Election Commission of India after winning two Lok Sabha seats on its ‘pot’ symbol. “The community can be unified only by ideology, not caste. We will never make such efforts. Those who agree with our political talk will stay with us. We must face it even if it fails,” says the VCK leader.

By stressing its historical and ideological ties to the Dravidian movement, VCK aims to consolidate its voter base. “Iyothee Thass Pandithar formed Dravida Mahajana Sabha (in 1891) in Madras Presidency. Dalits created Dravidian identity. VCK has a contribution in Dravidian legacy since the legacy itself was created by a Dalit. We are next to DMK in upholding the Dravidian ideology,” says VCK MP and writer D Ravikumar.

VCK proudly celebrates ideologues such as Dalit icon B R Ambedkar, Periyar E V Ramasamy, and Karl Marx. Vijay encourages students to read about Ambedkar, Periyar, and K Kamaraj. How this ideological push will influence the 2026 assembly election remains uncertain. Yet, what is clear is that Dalit concerns and power-sharing demands will be crucial in shaping the results, especially with Thirumavalavan’s rise where other Dalit leaders fell short.

Julie Mariappan / Oct 17, 2024

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Thanks : Times of India

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