Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol Thirumavalavan has reaffirmed that his party will not join any political alliance that includes the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), firmly upholding a principle the VCK has maintained since 2011.
Amid ongoing political speculation over alliance formations ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, reports emerged that a faction led by PMK founder S. Ramadoss might join the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led coalition. Questions quickly arose about whether the VCK — currently part of the DMK’s Secular Progressive Alliance — would remain in such a configuration.
Responding to these developments, Thirumavalavan clarified that while the DMK leadership alone has the authority to decide which parties may be included in its alliance, the VCK will not be part of any coalition that includes PMK or other caste- or religion-based parties. He stressed that the VCK does not have the power or right to advise or pressurize the DMK on alliance composition.
“We have taken a principled stand that we will not join forces with the PMK or the BJP,” Thirumavalavan reiterated, pointing to a longstanding decision within his party. He emphasized that maintaining credibility with voters by sticking to core principles is essential.
The VCK’s stance comes at a time when caste-based alignments — particularly involving the PMK and Dravidian parties — are drawing considerable attention in Tamil Nadu political circles. Speculation over the PMK’s potential alliance with the DMK has been fueled by recent statements and interactions between leaders, though nothing has yet been formally confirmed by either side.