VCK, a DMK Ally, Calls for Severe Action in Anna University Sexual Assault Incident

Chennai, Jan 2 (NationPress) The VCK, a coalition partner of the DMK in Tamil Nadu, has urged for severe action against individuals involved in the sexual assault of a second-year engineering student on the Anna University campus.

VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan stated on Thursday that the authorities must prioritize the safety and security of hostel residents and ensure a thorough investigation into the incident.

While speaking to the media, the VCK leader, who also serves as a Member of Parliament representing the Chidambaram Lok Sabha constituency, emphasized that the Tamil Nadu government must conduct an impartial investigation and hold all parties accountable under the law.

This comment came in response to inquiries regarding an alleged accomplice of the main suspect, Gnanasekaran.

Following reports indicating that the accused had conversed with a person he referred to as ‘Sir’ over the phone, the AIADMK organized a state-wide protest questioning, “Who is that sir?”

Thirumavalavan, a prominent Dalit leader in Tamil Nadu and founder of the VCK, stated that opposition political leaders should be permitted to stage protests.

This statement was made in response to the detention of political figures, including Sowmiya Anbumani from the PMK and Seeman from the NTK, who were protesting on this issue.

However, he cautioned that politicizing this delicate matter could distract attention from crucial issues, including the safety of students and the welfare of the survivor.

It’s important to note that Thirumavalavan’s remarks are under scrutiny in Tamil Nadu, especially following a recent demand from a senior VCK leader for 25 Assembly seats for the party in the upcoming 2026 state elections, which has caused unrest and discontent among the DMK.

Reports indicate that both VCK and Thirumavalavan are exploring other coalition partners for the 2026 Assembly elections, with the AIADMK and the BJP already expressing their readiness to include VCK.

VCK’s Deputy General Secretary, Vanni Arasu, recently mentioned in an interview with a Tamil news outlet that party members are anticipating 25 seats for the 2026 elections.

For context, VCK was allocated only 10 seats out of the 234 in the 2021 Assembly elections by the DMK.

A senior DMK figure, who spoke anonymously, conveyed to IANS that these recurring demands from VCK are causing friction within the alliance.