VCK, Congress leaders oppose TNCC chief’s pitch to include PMK in DMK alliance

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) chief K Selvaperunthagai’s statement that the Paatali Makkal Katchi (PMK) should join the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance triggered a political row on Friday, with the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) seeking to understand the motive behind this “unusual interest” in attempting to woo an NDA constituent.

VCK, a predominantly Dalit party led by Thol. Thirumavalavan has not seen eye-to-eye with the PMK for the past 15 years due to the latter’s blatant anti-Dalit politics.

PMK founder S Ramadoss had coined the term ‘nadaka kaathal’ (fake love) in 2013, alleging that Dalit youth dressed well in ‘fancy shirts and pants’ to woo women from backward communities, especially Vanniyars, which drew widespread condemnation.

Thirumavalavan, who had previously worked with the PMK, has made it clear more than once that his party will never join or stay in an alliance with the PMK as a constituent.

Selvaperunthagai’s statement, which comes a week after his “courtesy” meeting with Ramadoss, who is involved in a running battle with his son Anbumani over the running of PMK, is also viewed with suspicion since the TNCC chief was with the VCK for a long time and quit the party after falling out with Thirumavalavan. 

His statement has led to speculation about whether he wants the VCK out of the DMK alliance, with even Congress leaders maintaining that he was airing his personal opinion.

VCK’s influence across northern Tamil Nadu, with a strong cadre base, is said to be one of the reasons for the DMK alliance sweeping the 2019, 2021, and 2024 polls in the region.

Moreover, VCK views the BJP as its ideological opponent, which automatically makes it an integral part of the DMK alliance, built on opposition to the saffron party.

Manickam Tagore, Congress whip in Lok Sabha, took to X to ask why the TNCC chief wants the PMK, which has stood with Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014, to be part of the DMK alliance.

“Why hurt those who stood with you through thick and thin, and continue to stand by people’s leader Rahul Gandhi in every battle? This can’t be a party decision — it seems purely personal,” he wrote.

VCK general secretary and Villupuram MP D Ravikumar told DH that the Congress high command must clarify Selvaperunthagai’s statement since his party has consistently demonstrated loyalty to the I.N.D.I.A. bloc since its formation in 2023.

“We are concerned about the unusual interest shown by the Tamil Nadu Congress in attempting to woo an NDA ally into the INDIA bloc. Specifically, the move to bring PMK into the alliance in Tamil Nadu creates the impression that the DMK-led alliance is not strong enough to counter the BJP alliance,” Ravikumar said.

He pointed out that the alliance has won three consecutive elections and reiterated the VCK’s position that it will not stay in an alliance that includes the PMK. “PMK is not acceptable to us. There is no compromise on this,” Ravikumar added. 

A senior Congress leader told DH on condition of anonymity that the TNCC chief’s statement raises suspicion about whether he wants the VCK out of the DMK alliance.

“Thirumavalavan’s ideological commitment to the DMK and Congress is unquestionable. Why is the TNCC chief needling the VCK without any provocation? Here is a leader who stands by the Congress and subscribes to its policies. But the TNCC chief seems busy parroting his personal views as those of the party. We have already brought this to Delhi’s attention,” he said.

The leader added that Selvaperunthagai should realise that he has no authority to comment on alliances, as decisions in this regard are taken by DMK President M K Stalin, who leads the bloc in Tamil Nadu.