Fri Dec 06 16:11:46 UTC 2024: ## VCK Factional Fight Erupts Over Ambedkar Book Release

**Chennai, December 5:** A bitter public feud has broken out within the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), with party deputy general secretary Vanni Arasu launching a scathing attack on fellow deputy general secretary Aadhav Arjun. The conflict centers around an upcoming book release event celebrating B.R. Ambedkar.

The event, organized by Aadhav Arjun’s Voice of Common organization, is scheduled for December 6th and will feature actor Vijay releasing the book, “Ambedkar: A Leader for All.” However, VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan will not be attending.

Vanni Arasu’s statement accuses Aadhav Arjun of prioritizing a “compromise” (referring to the event’s inclusion of Vijay) over party loyalty. He alleges that Aadhav Arjun and others are attempting to portray Thirumavalavan’s absence as stemming from pressure from the DMK, the ruling party in Tamil Nadu. Arasu strongly refutes this, stating that Thirumavalavan declined to attend because he wouldn’t share a platform with someone who lacks a genuine understanding of Ambedkar’s ideology. He further accused certain media houses of using Ambedkar’s name for political gain.

Arasu’s strongly worded statement, which describes the book release as a “paayasam” (a sweet dish, used metaphorically here to denote a diluted or compromised event), has sent shockwaves through the VCK. The internal conflict highlights deep divisions within the party, particularly regarding its relationship with other political entities. The statement concludes by asserting that Ambedkar’s legacy cannot be trivialised. The incident underscores the ongoing tensions and factionalism within the VCK.

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