Sun Dec 15 22:36:06 UTC 2024: **VCK Deputy General Secretary Quits After Suspension, Citing Disagreements Over Political Strategy**
CHENNAI, December 16, 2024 – Aadhav Arjuna, the suspended deputy general secretary and election strategist of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), resigned from the party on Sunday. His resignation follows a six-month suspension imposed by VCK founder Thol. Thirumavalavan for criticizing the DMK’s “dynastic politics” at a recent book launch.
Arjuna, who previously served as a political strategist for the DMK in several elections, stated in his resignation letter that his disagreement with Thirumavalavan stemmed from differing views on the party’s pace of adaptation to political change and its strategy for Dalit empowerment in Tamil Nadu. He expressed a desire to continue working towards social justice and caste annihilation but felt his outspoken criticism was creating internal divisions within the VCK.
Arjuna argued that the VCK needed to pursue power-sharing agreements in the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections to maximize its influence. He cited the example of power-sharing arrangements between the BJP and its allies in other states as a model. He claimed that internal opposition, fueled by those within the VCK who favored the DMK, led to his targeting. He also pointed out the significant vote share the VCK commands (estimated at 50-60 lakh voters), exceeding the number of seats allocated to them by the DMK.
Thirumavalavan, responding to the controversy, acknowledged the meeting between Arjuna and DMK Minister E.V. Velu but maintained that Arjuna’s continued outspokenness, despite his suspension, indicated other plans. He expressed that maintaining party unity required adherence to the suspension terms.
Arjuna’s departure marks the end of the VCK’s experiment with employing a professional political strategist. The event highlights internal tensions within the party and raises questions about its future political alliances.
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