Madurai, May 2: Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thol. Thirumavalavan has questioned the Central Government’s silence on the timeline for the caste-based census, despite announcing its intent to conduct it during the upcoming population census.Speaking at the Madurai Airport in Avaniyapuram, Thirumavalavan said, “The Union Government has agreed to include caste enumeration during the population census. However, it has not revealed when this census will take place. The next official census is expected only in 2031. This delay is concerning.”
On the recent terrorist massacre in Pahalgam, he expressed deep sorrow and criticized the government’s inconsistent response. “The Prime Minister canceled his foreign visit and returned to the country. He held meetings with ministers in Delhi, but suddenly went to Bihar, which was shocking,” he said.
He also condemned the government’s aggressive statements on Pakistan. “The BJP-led government claims it will go to war with Pakistan and says it will cancel the Indus Waters Treaty. Meanwhile, a Pakistani minister is threatening war against India. Whoever is behind terrorism must be dealt with firmly. But does that require war? The Central Government must consider that carefully,” he warned.
Thirumavalavan also raised concerns over a recent directive regarding media coverage of the Madurai Chithirai Festival. “It is shocking that the media has been asked to pay to broadcast the Chithirai festival events. The Chief Minister must intervene and ensure that media freedom is not curtailed. District collectors should not act in a manner that insults journalists,” he added.