Why is VCK leader Thirumavalavan criticizing Vijay's silence on anti-Periyar remarks?

Chennai, June 26 (NationPress) The leader of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Thol. Thirumavalavan, has expressed his discontent regarding the silence of actor-turned-politician Vijay, founder of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), concerning the offensive remarks aimed at renowned Dravidian figures Periyar and C.N. Annadurai during a recent Hindu Munnani conference in Madurai.

Speaking to the media at Chennai airport, Thirumavalavan stated that Vijay's lack of a condemnation has raised doubts about his genuine commitment to Periyarist principles.

“The actor should have voiced his disapproval regarding the visuals circulated from Murugan Manadu. Those surrounding him should have guided him more effectively,” he commented.

The controversial videos shown at the Hindu Munnani event labeled both Periyar and Annadurai as “Dravidian jackals” and aimed to dismantle the Dravidian movement while advocating for a “Theiviga Tamil Nadu” (Divine Tamil Nadu).

Thirumavalavan emphasized that such blatant attacks on key figures of the Dravidian ideology should elicit a robust response from those who claim to honor their legacy.

“If he remains silent in the face of such serious assaults, it calls into question whether his appreciation of Periyar’s ideology is authentic or just a façade,” he remarked.

The VCK leader also criticized the AIADMK for trivializing the situation and not vocally condemning the derogatory comments made at the event. He asserted that AIADMK, as a party rooted in the Dravidian movement, bears the duty to protect the legacies of Periyar and Anna.

“A simple expression of disagreement is inadequate. The AIADMK must categorically denounce the insults directed at leaders like Periyar and Anna,” he insisted.

Thirumavalavan cautioned that AIADMK’s ongoing alliance with the BJP, whose ideological stance conflicts with Dravidian values, could result in its political isolation.

“The BJP’s ultimate aim is to absorb the AIADMK. Just look at Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagendran -- he rose through the ranks of AIADMK and is thoroughly aligned with saffron ideologies. The AIADMK should interpret this as a warning,” he said, stressing that such an alliance could lead to the decline of the AIADMK, which remains the principal opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly with 65 MLAs.

In a pointed comparison, Thirumavalavan mentioned actor-politician Kamal Haasan, recalling how he initially distanced himself from Dravidian politics but later allied with the DMK-led front after acknowledging the need to counter Hindutva forces and uphold the principles of social justice.

“Kamal recognized that social justice is under attack. For the greater good of Tamil Nadu, he took a stand. Vijay must also consider where he stands,” he stated.

When questioned about the potential for VCK to collaborate with the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) in future alliances, particularly if the PMK were to join the DMK-led coalition, Thirumavalavan dismissed what he termed a “theoretical” question.

However, he recounted that the VCK had previously allied with the PMK during the 2011 Assembly elections but asserted that there has been no political partnership since then.

He attributed the separation to the PMK’s “social engineering” campaign, which he claimed was intentionally devised to tarnish the VCK and its foundational support.

“This compelled us to take a firm and irreversible stance. We will not engage in any alliance that includes the PMK,” he affirmed.