To Defeat BJP, DMK and TVK Must Unite Under INDIA Bloc: VCK President Thirumavalavan

VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan has called for both the DMK and the ruling TVK to become part of the INDIA bloc , saying a broad and united opposition front is necessary to effectively challenge the BJP at the national level.

Addressing reporters in Ariyalur, the Lok Sabha MP said that while political parties may have differences in Tamil Nadu, national interests should take precedence when it comes to resisting what he described as the BJP's "communal politics." He asserted that the opposition must come together despite local disagreements if it hopes to present a strong alternative at the national level.

Thirumavalavan also clarified that the VCK had not officially severed ties with the DMK , even after a former VCK legislator joined the ruling party. He said political alliances should be handled with maturity and that maintaining cordial relations with multiple parties should not automatically be interpreted as a breakdown of an alliance.

His recent remark that "merely taking part in the Cabinet does not mean that the VCK had joined the alliance led by TVK" had triggered intense political debate in Tamil Nadu. While some leaders allied with the ruling party criticised the statement, MDMK chief Vaiko responded with sarcasm, saying Thirumavalavan deserved a "Nobel Prize" for making such a comment. Thirumavalavan later thanked Vaiko for the "recommendation" and said he would express his gratitude if such an award were ever conferred on him.

Emphasising the need for political civility, Thirumavalavan said parties should be able to maintain friendships across ideological lines. He pointed out that leaders who fiercely oppose each other in Parliament often interact cordially outside the House, and argued that Tamil Nadu too should embrace such democratic decency.

The VCK leader also urged the Congress to adopt a more accommodating approach within the INDIA alliance, noting that past strategies had created friction with regional allies such as the DMK , the Trinamool Congress , and the Left parties . According to him, strengthening cooperation among opposition parties remains the key to building an effective national coalition.