Former VCK Deputy General Secretary Arjuna May Align with Vijay’s TVK Party

Chennai, Dec 16 (NationPress) Aadhav Arjuna, the ex-Deputy General Secretary of the Dalit political party Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), has recently departed from the party and is reportedly contemplating joining Tamil cinema icon Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

Although Arjuna has not yet confirmed these intentions, he informed journalists on Monday that an announcement would be forthcoming.

Arjuna, who is the son-in-law of lottery entrepreneur Santiago Martin, officially resigned from the VCK on Sunday.

This resignation follows a six-month suspension from the party, which was enacted due to his persistent criticisms of the ruling DMK, a partner of the VCK.

The controversy surrounding Arjuna emerged following the launch of the book ‘Elorukkumaana Thalaivar Ambedkar (Ambedkar: A Leader for All)’, co-published by Vikatan and Arjuna’s political strategy organization, Voice of Commons.

The book was presented on December 6, commemorating Dr. Ambedkar’s death anniversary, by TVK President Vijay.

During the book launch, Vijay, who has openly recognized the DMK as his party’s “political adversary,” intensified the controversy by addressing the topic of dynastic politics.

Arjuna, in his address at the event, also criticized “dynasty politics,” asserting that a chief minister should not be elected merely on the basis of lineage and that Tamil Nadu must be governed by ideologically driven leaders.

“Monarchy exists here. Dynasty politics must be abolished in 2026,” Arjuna proclaimed.

He further commended Vijay for advocating for a coalition government in Tamil Nadu, stating, “If we question dynastic politics, we are branded as Sanghis. The people of Tamil Nadu have resolved to pursue a new political direction.”

In the aftermath of these declarations, the VCK suspended Arjuna on December 9.

In the suspension notice, the party remarked, “All his defiant activities, despite repeated advice from party leaders, may superficially seem to strengthen the party. However, they have created doubts about the leadership and camaraderie within the party in the public eye.”

“Such actions have negatively impacted the cohesive functioning of the party. As a disciplinary measure, Aadhav Arjuna has been suspended from the party for six months.”

On Sunday, December 15, Aadhav Arjuna revealed his resignation from the VCK.

However, he expressed a desire to collaborate with VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan on issues such as the eradication of caste, ensuring social justice and political rights for the common people, opposing caste and religious majoritarianism, the marginalization of women, and tackling corruption.

In his resignation letter, Arjuna stated, “I joined the VCK to ensure that ordinary people who have been disenfranchised due to caste hegemony gain power. I have no disagreements with the VCK’s ideology or its political position. My only aspiration is the party’s expansion and growth in Tamil Nadu.”

VCK President Thol Thirumavalavan responded to Arjuna’s resignation by labeling it as “unacceptable” and expressed concerns that it could damage the party’s reputation and leadership.

In a statement, Thirumavalavan explained, “We did not intend to remove him from the party or force him out. The objective of the suspension was to educate him on the need to become accustomed to the party’s procedures.”

Thirumavalavan further added that Arjuna should have demonstrated “patience” and “maturity” in voicing his opinions.