T.N. Assembly election: BJP may try to split the DMK even if it gets a majority, says Thol. Thirumavalavan

The VCK had sought seats in double digit and a Rajya Sabha seat from the DMK. Are you happy with the eight Assembly seats allotted to you?

We expected at least 10 seats. Unexpectedly, many parties joined the alliance, especially the DMDK and smaller parties. The leader of the alliance [the DMK] was compelled to accommodate everyone. Hence, even parties that have been in the alliance continuously — like the Left parties, the MDMK, and the Indian Union Muslim League — had to reduce their seats. For example, the MDMK has given up two seats. The Left parties had 6 earlier, as against five each now. In such a situation, the DMK told us that it was willing to give us more seats, but not in double digit. Initially, it offered seven, but I sought eight. I did not want to prolong the negotiations.

Did you get the constituencies you asked for?

Usually, no party gets all the constituencies it asks for. There will be multiple parties seeking to contest from a constituency. It has to be given to someone, and the others must give way. In that sense, we first confirmed three constituencies: Kattumannarkoil, Cheyyur, and Thiruporur. Nagapattinam had already been allotted to Jawahirullah, which surprised us. We were told that our party’s deputy general secretary, Shanavas, had expressed his willingness to contest from another constituency; hence, the seat was given to the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi. We got Arakkonam. We asked for Vanur, but didn’t get it; instead, we got Kallakurichi. In the southern districts, we asked for two seats. It was willing to give one: Periyakulam.

When you announced your intention to contest from Kattumannarkoil, you said Tamil Nadu politics would change significantly after this election. What do you think will change?

I wanted to contest the Assembly election since 2021. What we speak and how we function in the Assembly has a big impact. A party’s actions in the Assembly shape the public perception. Going to Parliament is an honour. However, when I look at Tamil Nadu politics, the BJP’s strategy of gradually weakening regional parties and establishing itself is a cause for concern. The Prime Minister refers to the AIADMK-led alliance as the National Democratic Alliance. After the election, the vote shares of the parties will be known. Alliances may change. The BJP may attempt to break parties and gain MLAs — as it did in other States — even if the DMK gets a majority. In such a situation, I should not remain detached from Tamil Nadu politics. We must remain vigilant 24/7 not just to protect our party but to safeguard social justice politics, State rights, and left-democratic politics in Tamil Nadu.

In your party, three MLAs were denied renomination. Why?

With only eight seats, there were many in the party eager to contest. If we get 25 seats, we can renominate the current MLAs and give an opportunity to new people. But with just eight seats, we retained four. Nearly 2,050 people applied for nomination. And around 370 people wanted me to contest. The workers want opportunities. This is a democratic reshuffle. There are no allegations or disciplinary reasons against those MLAs. We also considered representation — community, seniority, and women. This time, we gave two seats to women. We have also accommodated senior-most comrades like Attral Arasu.

Do you still believe the DMK alliance, despite the inclusion of some caste-based or right- leaning groups, can claim to be the “ideological opposition” to the NDA?

The inclusion of one or two such parties does not dilute the alliance’s ideological identity. The Left parties and others firmly oppose right-wing politics. Some may have had past associations [like the Tamilar Desam Party], but they may evolve. Joining this alliance shows they are not strongly committed to right-wing ideology.

How do you view the criticism that the VCK has not effectively addressed caste atrocities and custodial deaths under DMK rule?

A government alone cannot transform everything in five years. Officials act based on their own mindset. Laws exist, but their implementation depends on individuals. A structural change requires time. We have conducted protests, mobilised thousands, met officials, gone to court. But beyond protests, solutions require greater political power. Caste and religious structures continue unchanged. The officials’ caste mentality cannot be changed overnight. If an official has an anti-Dalit psyche or harbours hate for Muslims, nothing will change. We have discussed laws against honour-based crimes and reservation in promotions. The DMK has responded positively. We need to understand the issues within the system… It is not about AIADMK or DMK rule, but my point is that bureaucracy has an equal responsibility as the government.

How do you view actor Vijay’s decision not to ally with the BJP despite allegedly facing pressure from it?

His decision is welcome. But that alone does not mean he opposes the BJP. He has not criticised the BJP directly. His stance appears temporary, possibly to maintain his image.

Porkodi, widow of slain BSP leader Armstrong, has decided to contest from Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar on the AIADMK’s ‘Two Leaves’ symbol…

She needs protection. I appreciate she has boldly come out to be in public life. She also faces a threat to her life, and she needs some space in politics. If the AIADMK has given her that space, we welcome it.