VCK leader says 2031 may be right time for Thirumavalavan as CM face

A section of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi's second-line leadership believes the party should work towards heading an alliance, with its president Thol. Thirumavalavan as its Chief Ministerial candidate, ahead of the 2031 Assembly election.

Party general secretary D. Ravikumar described this as his personal opinion. He said the VCK had pursued different goals at different stages — boycotting elections at first, then seeking recognition as a political party, and later demanding a share in power in the State government. Recognition from the Election Commission, which eluded the party in 2019, was secured in 2024, he noted.

Mr. Ravikumar said a perception had taken hold that these long-standing goals had been achieved. He pointed to the prospect of delimitation and women's reservation, which he said could have significant political ramifications for Tamil Nadu, as a reason why the party should contest the next election under Mr. Thirumavalavan's leadership. He described him as the only charismatic leader with strong ideological commitment and intellectual clarity.

Mr. Thirumavalavan has said that no party would be able to form a government on its own in future and that coalition governments would become the norm. Mr. Ravikumar linked this to the unexpected election results that produced a hung Assembly and led to a coalition government.

The discussion unfolded as a video circulated showing Mr. Thirumavalavan travelling in a black sedan with the number plate "TN 07 CM 2031". Party treasurer S.S. Balaji said social media was flooded with slander after the clip went viral, and clarified that it was filmed for an event at EVP Film City on September 19.

Not all in the party share the enthusiasm. A senior leader disagreed with the decision to join the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam's Cabinet, arguing that the leader's charisma rests on the moral stance he has taken repeatedly and on not being swayed by power. Joining the Cabinet after legitimising TVK and its leader Vijay had cost him some of that moral sheen, the leader said, adding that if a share in power were the only aim, an alliance with the BJP could equally be justified. The leader also said the Left would not accept the VCK's leadership or back Mr. Thirumavalavan's Chief Ministerial ambitions.

By his own account, Mr. Thirumavalavan was offered the Chief Minister's post, with support from the DMK, the AIADMK and its allies, after the hung verdict.