Do not want youth who fall for clamour of cinema, follow actors around like sheep: Thirumavalavan
The Chidambaram MP said that he does not want youth who fall for the clamour of cinema and follow actors like a flock of sheep.;
Thol Thirumavalavan
CHENNAI: In a fierce attack on ideological opponents, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol Thirumavalavan said that no one can sway the ideologically driven youth who embrace social reformers such as Thanthai Periyar, Dr BR Ambedkar, and Karl Marx.
The Chidambaram MP said that he does not want youth who fall for the clamour of cinema and follow actors like a flock of sheep. He made this remark to dismiss the narrative that newbie Vijay and his fledgling party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) would make a dent on the VCK and its core party base, the youth.
When actor Vijayakant launched a political party (DMDK), there were debates in the media suggesting that it would have an adverse impact on the VCK, Thirumavalavan recalled and added that similar narratives emerged when actors like Kamal Haasan entered politics. However, the VCK has remained steadfast, carving out its distinct place in the State’s political landscape, he said underscoring the history of the party.
Thirumavalavan made these remarks at a public meeting in Villupuram on Sunday, organised to celebrate the party’s achievement in securing recognition from the Election Commission of India as a State-level party.
“I made it clear then and there that no one could disturb the VCK, as its political path is different, and no cinema clamour will take away its ideologically-driven members and cadre.
This is what the party’s history shows, and it led to the Election Commission of India’s recognition, Thiruma said at the Villupuram conference, dismissing the narrative that the party would be weakened by actor Vijay’s influence, as his party is expected to attract young voters and VCK was not expected to be an exception, as per the views of some political pundits.
Thiruma also stated that while the VCK would seek to secure more seats in its alliance with the DMK, it would never switch allegiances for the sake of seats. “We will aim to secure more seats in the alliance for the 2026 polls, but no one should think we will change alliances for extra seats. There is no possibility of that (exiting the alliance),” the INDIA bloc partner said.