There is a silent wave among people yearning for a change: Thol Thirumavalavan
KATTUMANNARKOIL: VCK chief Thol. Thirumavalavan says a silent wave among the people who are yearning for a change would support the PWA.
Amid his busy campaign schedule in Kattumannarkoil Assembly constituency, he spoke to Deccan Chronicle on wide-ranging issues, from alliance coordinator Vaiko’s decision not to contest to prepoll surveys predicting a poor show by PWA. Excerpts:
Q Your opposite parties are alleging that MDMK general secretary Vaiko took the decision not to contest from Kovilpatti constituency fearing defeat. Will his decision demoralise the cadres?
He (Vaiko) has given a convincing explanation. Hence it would not affect our chances in the poll. In fact, his decision only helped improve the image of the alliance. He had taken the decision saying unity of people and peace are more important than his contesting election. As far as I am concerned, I welcome his decision. It is a bold and appreciable decision.
Q Do you think that your opposite parties are conspiring to target PWA for taking a clear stand against 'honour killings’ ?
I don’t know whether they are behind it or not. But they have such intention. In criminology, they call it “mens rea”, meaning criminal intention.
All parties including AIADMK, DMK, PMK and BJP are keen to cause some damage to PWA. So Vaiko’s explanation and charges against DMK cannot be ignored. If such violence had broken out, it would have affected the common people most. Hence, I welcome his decision that was taken with a good intention to prevent untoward incidents.
Q PWA manifesto promises that the alliance will ensure right to worship of all sections of people without any caste discrimination in all places of worship. Do you think it is possible to enforce such a promise in the prevailing situation in the state?
An ordinary person will do only things that are practicable. A political leader is someone who implements that which is not practicable. We will implement the promise.
Q You recently made a statement that conversion weakens numerical strength of Dalits. Can you explain it?
Religious conversion is an important tool for liberation from caste-based discrimination. One cannot escape caste discrimination by remaining in Hindu religion.
When one converts to Christianity, Islam or Buddhism, there is a change in their cultural identity, lifestyle and relationship. There cannot be two opinion that religious conversion is the basis for caste eradication.
Through such religious conversions, Dalits who were 100 per cent were gradually reduced to 80 per cent, 70 per cent and 60 per cent in population.
Even those Dalits who converted to other religions are reduced to status of minorities in total population. It only leads to fragmentation. Dalits remaining in Hindu fold are also becoming minorities.
Q BJP has promised to introduce an anti-conversion law if voted to power. What is your party’s stand on it?
I am not supporting that law. We cannot accept any law that bans religious conversion. I am not opposed to conversion as such. But I am highlighting the demerits of conversion which should be debated.
Q What is your alliance’s chances of winning the elections?
Day-by-day, the alliance is growing and reaching out to more people.
People are talking about our alliance. There is a silent wave among the people who are yearning for a change. I am confident our alliance will create a huge impact in this election.
