VCK defers decision on TN political crisis; Thirumavalavan to consult party leaders
Chennai, May 8 (IANS) Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) President Thol Thirumavalavan on Friday said the party would announce its official stand on the fast-evolving political situation in Tamil Nadu only after holding detailed consultations with senior leaders and party functionaries.
Addressing reporters in Chennai, Thirumavalavan said the VCK’s high-level committee would meet through video conference at 5 p.m. on Friday to deliberate on the uncertainty surrounding government formation in the state following the fractured verdict in the recent Assembly elections.
He said the party would formally brief the media on the decisions taken after the meeting. “After the high-level committee meeting, we will address the press on Saturday morning and announce the party’s stand,” he said.
Rejecting criticism that the VCK was delaying its response, Thirumavalavan pointed out that the election results were declared only on May 4 and that democratic parties required time for internal discussions before arriving at major political decisions. “We are not delaying. It is normal in a democratic structure to discuss issues collectively before taking a final decision,” he said.
The VCK chief said that while he had the authority as party president to take independent decisions, it was his responsibility to understand the views and sentiments of party leaders and cadre before announcing any official position.
Explaining why the meeting was being conducted online, he said senior leaders were spread across different districts of Tamil Nadu and could not assemble immediately in Chennai.
Responding to questions regarding speculation over a possible understanding between the DMK and AIADMK to form a government, Thirumavalavan declined to comment, saying it would not be appropriate to express personal views before discussing the matter within the party.
On whether DMK President M.K. Stalin had contacted him amid the political developments, the VCK leader said leaders of the Secular Progressive Alliance had already met and discussed the situation after the election verdict.
According to Thirumavalavan, Stalin has 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.
However, when asked whether the VCK would extend support to a TVK-led government if approached, Thirumavalavan avoided a direct response, stating that the matter would first be discussed internally before any official decision was announced.
–IANS
aal/dpb
