Kunnam violence: TN minister Vanniyarasu condemns DMK attack on VCK workers
Synopsis
A sitting Tamil Nadu minister has publicly accused cadres of his own coalition partner, the DMK, of stone-pelting VCK workers in Kunnam, Perambalur — a rare and pointed rupture within the ruling alliance. The accusation, made on the record at Madurai Airport, signals that inter-party tensions within Tamil Nadu's coalition are no longer being managed behind closed doors.
Key Takeaways
Tamil Nadu minister Vanniyarasu condemned violence in Kunnam , Perambalur district , on Tuesday, 26 May .
He alleged DMK cadres pelted stones at VCK workers, calling the act 'unacceptable.' The incident occurred after some VCK functionaries reached a protest venue despite a revised instruction cancelling the protest.
Thirumavalavan has consistently opposed violence in political activity, according to Vanniyarasu.
Vanniyarasu reiterated VCK's opposition to the Mekedatu dam project and demanded an all-party meeting by the Tamil Nadu government.
He also called for a separate law against honour killings and urged police to act without caste or religious bias.
Tamil Nadu Social Justice Minister and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) Deputy General Secretary Vanniyarasu on Tuesday condemned the violence reported in Kunnam, Perambalur district, alleging that Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) cadres attacked VCK workers and calling for politics in the state to remain civilised and democratic. The minister made the remarks while speaking to reporters at Madurai Airport after arriving from Chennai, en route to his native place in Virudhunagar district.
What Happened in Kunnam
According to Vanniyarasu, a district-level protest had earlier been announced by the VCK, but party leadership subsequently instructed that it was unnecessary. Some functionaries, reportedly unaware of the revised instruction, had already reached the venue.
'DMK cadres pelted stones at VCK cadres and carried out a very violent act. This is unacceptable,' Vanniyarasu said. He added that VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan had consistently maintained that there should be no room for violence in political activity.
VCK-DMK Alliance Under Strain
Vanniyarasu acknowledged that the VCK and DMK had maintained close political relations for several years and said he did not know the reasons behind the alleged anger or disappointment of certain DMK leaders towards the VCK. The incident puts a rare public strain on an alliance that has been a cornerstone of Tamil Nadu's ruling coalition. This is not the first time inter-party friction has surfaced within the ruling bloc, but a sitting minister publicly accusing a coalition partner's cadres of stone-pelting marks a notable escalation.
On Law and Order
Responding to criticism regarding law and order under the current government, Vanniyarasu urged restraint in judgment. 'This government still needs time to fully take control of the law and order situation and stabilise it,' he said, expressing confidence that the administration would align with the aspirations of Tamil Nadu's people.
He also called for stronger measures to protect oppressed communities, urged police to function without caste or religious bias, and reiterated the VCK's demand for a separate law to prevent honour killings.
Mekedatu Dam and Other Positions
On the proposed Mekedatu dam project in Karnataka, Vanniyarasu reiterated the VCK's opposition, describing the project as 'anti-farmer.' He said the party had urged the Tamil Nadu government to convene an all-party meeting, noting that previous governments had passed resolutions against the project.
Reception at Madurai Airport
Vanniyarasu received an enthusiastic welcome from VCK cadres at Madurai Airport, with supporters greeting him with shawls, garlands, and flower bouquets. A brief commotion was witnessed during the reception due to competition among supporters seeking to honour him.
The Kunnam episode is likely to test the durability of the VCK-DMK alliance in the weeks ahead, with the VCK leadership expected to seek a formal explanation from its coalition partner.
Point of View
Rather than a closed-door party channel, to make this accusation suggests the VCK wants the grievance on record. Tamil Nadu's ruling coalition has historically papered over such friction; this time, the optics are harder to manage. The broader pattern — inter-party violence within ruling alliances, a minister simultaneously defending the government's law-and-order record while criticising a coalition partner's cadres — is a contradiction that the DMK leadership will need to address before it compounds.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Kunnam, Perambalur district?
Violence was reported in Kunnam, Perambalur district, where VCK minister Vanniyarasu alleged that DMK cadres pelted stones at VCK workers. The incident reportedly occurred after some VCK functionaries reached a protest venue despite party leadership cancelling the planned protest.
Who is Vanniyarasu and why did he speak out?
Vanniyarasu is Tamil Nadu's Social Justice Minister and the Deputy General Secretary of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK). He condemned the Kunnam violence while speaking to reporters at Madurai Airport on 26 May, calling the alleged attack unacceptable and stressing that politics must remain civilised.
How does this affect the VCK-DMK alliance?
The VCK and DMK are coalition partners in Tamil Nadu's ruling government, and a public accusation by a sitting minister against a partner party's cadres is an unusual and notable strain on the alliance. Vanniyarasu said he did not know the reasons behind the alleged anger of certain DMK leaders towards the VCK.
What is the VCK's position on the Mekedatu dam?
The VCK opposes the proposed Mekedatu dam project in Karnataka, describing it as anti-farmer. Vanniyarasu urged the Tamil Nadu government to convene an all-party meeting on the issue, noting that previous governments had passed resolutions against the project.
What other demands did Vanniyarasu raise?
Vanniyarasu called for stronger measures to protect oppressed communities, urged police to function without caste or religious bias, and reiterated the VCK's demand for a separate law to prevent honour killings in Tamil Nadu.
