Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) President Thol Thirumavalavan on Friday, 8 May said the party would declare its official position on the fast-evolving political crisis in Tamil Nadu only after holding detailed internal consultations — deferring a decision that political observers had expected sooner following the fractured Assembly election verdict of 4 May.

High-Level Committee to Deliberate First

Addressing reporters in Chennai, Thirumavalavan announced that the VCK's high-level committee would convene via video conference at 5 pm on Friday to deliberate on the uncertainty surrounding government formation in the state. He said the party would formally brief the media only after the meeting concluded. "After the high-level committee meeting, we will address the press on Saturday morning and announce the party's stand," he stated.

Explaining the online format, Thirumavalavan noted that senior party leaders were spread across different districts of Tamil Nadu and could not assemble in Chennai at short notice.

VCK Pushes Back on 'Delay' Criticism

Rejecting criticism that the VCK was slow to respond, Thirumavalavan pointed out that the election results had been declared only on 4 May — barely four days earlier — and that democratic parties required adequate time for internal deliberations before arriving at consequential political decisions. "We are not delaying. It is normal in a democratic structure to discuss issues collectively before taking a final decision," he said.

He added that while he held the authority as party president to take independent decisions, it was his responsibility to first understand the views and sentiments of party leaders and cadre before making any public announcement.

On DMK-AIADMK Speculation and Alliance Dynamics

Responding to questions about reported speculation over a possible understanding between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) to form a government, Thirumavalavan declined to comment, saying it would not be appropriate to express personal views before the matter was discussed within the party.

On whether DMK President M.K. Stalin had reached out to him amid the political developments, Thirumavalavan confirmed that leaders of the Secular Progressive Alliance had already met and discussed the situation following the election verdict. According to Thirumavalavan, Stalin conveyed that the alliance respected the people's mandate and would not create obstacles to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader C. Joseph Vijay forming the government.

VCK Support for TVK-Led Government Remains Undecided

When pressed on whether the VCK would extend support to a TVK-led government if approached, Thirumavalavan avoided a direct answer, stating that the matter would first be discussed internally before any official decision was announced. This comes amid a broader realignment of Tamil Nadu's political landscape following the 4 May verdict, which delivered no single party a clear majority. The VCK's position is being closely watched given its role as a key constituent of the Secular Progressive Alliance. A formal announcement is expected on Saturday morning.