VCK Plans Major Tamil Nationalist Rally, Seeks to Reinvigorate Support After Elections

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) founder and Chidambaram MP Thol. Thirumavalavan has called on the party to prepare for a 'Tamil nationalist' public rally scheduled for August 17 in Ulundurpet near Villupuram. The move comes after the party accurately predicted significant political shifts in Tamil Nadu following the 2026 assembly elections.

Contrary to perceptions that the VCK's support base has largely shifted to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), party members assert that the rally will demonstrate the VCK's continued appeal among Scheduled Caste (SC) youth, a key demographic for the party.

Speaking at a recent internal meeting, Thirumavalavan urged cadre to make the upcoming public meeting exceptional, matching the impact of previous rallies that became widely discussed. He noted that a similar rally planned for May 17 could not be held due to seat-sharing negotiations before the elections.

'Every year, we celebrate August 17 as Tamilar Ezhuchi Naal, but this year we will celebrate it as Tamil Desiya Ezhuchi public conference. This should be much bigger than any other conference we have organised. We need to get the attention of the Union government,' he said.

While the VCK has historically embraced Tamil nationalism to assert the SC community's integral place in Tamil society, the party in recent years has focused more on 'anti-Sanathana' rhetoric to counter the BJP. However, a senior VCK leader clarified that the party has not abandoned Tamil nationalism, pointing to its annual observance of Maaverar Naal (Great Heroes' Day) and consistent advocacy for Eelam Tamils' rights.

'Tamil nationalism is not solely about Eelam Tamils. It also encompasses struggles for State rights, federalism, anti-Hindi imposition, and protecting state autonomy. This rally will be an opportunity to reinvigorate opposition on these issues,' the leader said.

Another senior leader emphasised that the rally would help maintain party cohesion amid an uncertain and turbulent political landscape in Tamil Nadu, keeping the cadre engaged and active.