Ties between VCK, DMK strong: Thol Thirumalavalavan

Chennai: The relationship between Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and DMK is “strong and harmonious” and there are no differences between the two parties, VCK president Thol Thirumalavalavan has asserted on Tuesday. He also announced that his party will be fighting along with the DMK to counter ‘religious politics.’

The VCK chief’s clarification came immediately after he met DMK president M.K. Stalin at the Anna Arivalayam – DMK state headquarters here on Tuesday. His meeting with the leader of the opposition in the Assembly assumes significance as Thirumavalavan without allowing himself to be dragged into any controversy, decided to send a clear signal across that his VCK is with the DMK. His assertion also comes in the wake of DMK senior Duraimurugan informing a Tamil television news channel that both the MDMK and VCK are “friendly parties” and not allies of the DMK.

“The relationship between us is strong and harmonious. There’s no doubt about it. Some vested interest persons are undertaking a malicious campaign against us, but they will not succeed,” he told reporters. “Yes, we spoke happily” Thirumavalavan shot back when asked if he met Duraimurugan today.

Earlier, he said, “What Duraimurugan said was a practical statement and reiterated what I have said earlier. Several friendly parties are standing with DMK in its fight for issues concerning Tamil Nadu and its people. This should be taken forward as an alliance. I had urged DMK president M. K. Stalin to make the necessary announcement.”

He further demanded that the DMK should announce their alliance plans. “We support the DMK and there are no issues in our relationship. The DMK, Congress, MDMK, VCK, Left and Muslim parties are all very close. We should become part of the alliance and the DMK should announce this alliance plan. This group of parties will become allies,” Thirumavalavan said.

The DMK so far, has not clarified the position on the alliance for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Thirumavalavan’s meeting with Stalin had been scheduled a week ago.

To a question, he said his meeting with Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami, a few days ago, and interaction with AMMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran on Monday, had nothing to do with politics. “While I have met the CM a couple of times earlier, the meeting with TTV at Kothamangalam in Pudukottai district, happened by chance as we came across each other, while visiting cyclone Gaja affected areas,” he added.