‘An attempt to stop central rule, not verification of ideology’

CHENNAI: VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan on Saturday extended his party’s support to actor-politician Vijay’s government, calling it “unconditional support” aimed at ensuring political stability and preventing President’s rule in Tamil Nadu.“We are supporting TVK for two reasons. VCK should not become an obstacle to Vijay becoming CM and TN should not come under President’s rule,” Thirumavalavan said after handing over a letter of support to TVK general secretary Aadhav Arjun at the VCK headquarters in Chennai.The VCK also said it would continue in the DMK-led secular progressive alliance, underscoring the delicate balancing act of Thirumavalavan, one of Vijay’s sharpest campaign critics.Thirumavalavan also revealed that he had informed DMK chief MK Stalin before extending his support. “He appreciated the decision. He had made it clear from the beginning that he would not become an obstacle to Vijay becoming CM,” he said.Formed in February 2024, the TVK made a dramatic electoral debut and emerged as a central force in TN’s fractured mandate, pushing the state’s politics into coalition arithmetic after decades of Dravidian bipolarity. The VCK decision comes as a significant relief to Vijay as the TVK is attempting to convert the electoral momentum into stable governance in a state that has entered unfamiliar alliance territory.VCK general secretary D Ravikumar said, “While the DMK worked for the victory of our candidates, the top leadership of the VCK has taken a considered, albeit difficult, decision to provide external support while strictly staying out of the cabinet.”Ravikumar rejected criticism over the delay in taking the decision. “There is a need to deliberate on an option that has such a long-term impact on the state’s political landscape,” he said.Party members said that strong voices within the VCK were in favor of joining the government, but Thirumavalavan opposed this, arguing that a cabinet berth should not be at the cost of political credibility. One member quoted him as saying, “We should not lose the credibility built over 30 years of hard work for the sake of a cabinet post.”Ravikumar also drew ideological red lines. “Our support to prevent a constitutional void is a functional necessity, not a validation of ideology,” he said.