Union Minister Murugan’s recent remarks have sparked controversy, questioning Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thirumavalavan’s commitment to the Arundhathiyar community. Murugan criticized Thirumavalavan for not allocating even one of the six assembly seats VCK won in alliance with the DMK to an Arundhathiyar candidate.“Thirumavalavan, who claims to speak for the Arundhathiyar community, has never given them a seat. He has no right to talk about them. It was I who first advocated for internal reservation for the Arundhathiyars. Our stance is that reservation should reach all communities. Has Thirumavalavan, on behalf of his party, ever given an Arundhathiyar a chance to contest?” questioned Murugan.
Thirumavalavan’s Response: A Defense Against Allegations
In response to Murugan’s accusations, VCK leader Thirumavalavan addressed the media, stating that his party has always stood against the Supreme Court’s suggestion to divide the Scheduled Castes. “The Supreme Court has been suggesting dividing SCs, and states have the right to decide this. However, this goes against Ambedkar’s ideology, which is why our party opposes it. In our review petition to the Supreme Court, we have not mentioned anything against the Arundhathiyar community. We have only sought clarification in the judgment. Yet, false propaganda is being spread against us. The BJP’s attempt to turn the Arundhathiyars against us will not succeed,” Thirumavalavan said.
DMK Comes to Thirumavalavan’s Defense
The DMK has voiced support for Thirumavalavan amidst the controversy. DMK spokesperson R.S. Bharathi responded, saying, “Out of the six seats allocated to VCK in the DMK alliance, one was given to a candidate from the Vanniyar community, and another to a minority community candidate. Four seats were allotted to candidates from the Dalit community. The DMK has already appointed Madhivendhan from the Arundhathiyar community as a minister. Will the BJP make an Arundhathiyar their Prime Minister?”
This back-and-forth between Murugan and Thirumavalavan has intensified the political discourse, particularly surrounding the representation and treatment of the Arundhathiyar community.