VCK backed Vijay to avert President rule in State, says Thirumavalavan

CHENNAI: VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan on Saturday announced unconditional support to TVK chief Vijay to form the government, stating that President’s Rule should not be imposed in the State.

“We held discussions together with the Left parties. Since the days of the Makkal Nalakkoottani, we have travelled together ideologically. We had already announced that we would stand by the decision taken by the Left parties,” Thirumavalavan said.

He said a high-level VCK meeting was convened on Thursday, during which the Congress party’s decision to support TVK was discussed. “Based on the deliberations, we have submitted our letter of support to TVK,” he added.

Thirumavalavan said the support was extended to prevent the prevailing political uncertainty from paving the way for President’s Rule in the State. “At the same time, we do not want VCK to become the reason for denying the opportunity for the party that won 108 seats to form the government,” he said.

Clarifying the party’s stance, he stated that both VCK and the Left parties would extend only outside support to a TVK-led government and that no conditions had been imposed.

“At this moment, we are considering only one thing. Vijay should not fail to form the government because of us,” he said.

The VCK chief further asserted that the party would continue in the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and described the decision as an independent political stance taken in an extraordinary political situation.

“We do not believe this decision will affect our alliance relationship,” he said, adding that Stalin had been informed in advance.

“From the beginning, the DMK has maintained that it would not obstruct Vijay from forming the government,” he said.

Thousands of cadres from VCK and TVK gathered outside the VCK headquarters on Jawaharlal Nehru Salai, leading to traffic congestion in the area.