Tue May 20 18:56:11 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), despite being an ally of the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu, India, has faced challenges in obtaining permission to protest. VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan expressed frustration, stating the party isn’t granted the same leeway as other parties, particularly regarding caste-related issues. He accuses bureaucrats and police of treating caste atrocities as mere “law and order” problems, influenced by political calculations. An NGO representative alleges political interference in the bureaucracy, leading to inadequate arrests and the downplaying of caste-based violence in official reports. This situation raises concerns about the accountability of the political establishment and the potential strain on the relationship between VCK and DMK cadres. The VCK argues that requiring political parties to seek court permission for protests undermines executive responsibility and risks judicial overreach.
**News Article:**
**DMK Ally VCK Cites Hurdles in Protesting, Alleges Political Interference in Caste Atrocities**
**Chennai, May 21, 2025** – Despite being a coalition partner in Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK government, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) is struggling to exercise its right to protest, according to party leaders. VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan has voiced concerns that his party is being treated differently than others, especially when it comes to issues of caste discrimination.
“It has taken 25 years to get recognised as a State party,” Thirumavalavan stated, highlighting the challenges faced by the VCK. “We are in alliance with the DMK, but we aren’t given permission to protest over the Vadakadu issue.” The “Vadakadu issue” refers to recent alleged caste-based violence.
Adding to the concerns, A. Kathir of NGO Evidence alleged that political considerations are influencing the bureaucracy’s handling of caste-related incidents. He claimed that a disproportionately low number of arrests have been made in connection with attacks against Dalits in Vadakadu, and that police reports are downplaying the caste-based nature of the violence. “These decisions are taken by the bureaucracy with political calculations,” Kathir said.
The VCK believes that the requirement for political parties to seek judicial permission for protests is a worrying trend. VCK general secretary and Villupuram MP D. Ravikumar stated, “Forcing political parties to seek permission from the courts is, in a way, an evasion of responsibility. Shifting executive responsibility onto the judiciary is undesirable, as it may, in the long run, encourage judicial encroachment into executive functions.”
Observers suggest that the perceived lack of accountability from the political establishment and the prioritization of party interests could damage the working relationship between VCK and DMK members. The situation raises questions about the effectiveness of the coalition and the commitment to addressing caste-based discrimination in the state.
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