Thirumavalavan rebuts critics, says no one has the right to defile their political integrity; asserts cabinet entry is not driven by ‘greed for power’

Chennai: Rebutting sharp criticism from senior DMK leaders, including the party’s deputy general secretary A Raja, on social media and other forums, VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan on Saturday said no one had the right to defame his party’s political integrity and credibility. He defended VCK’s decision to be part of the TVK-led cabinet, stating it was driven by political necessity rather than “greed for power”.

Without taking anyone’s name, Thirumavalavan, during a media interaction, said, “No one has the right to question our political integrity and genuineness.” His remarks came in response to questions regarding criticism from DMK leaders and functionaries on social media regarding VCK’s decision to join the cabinet of a TVK-led coalition govt.

Defending his party’s decision, Thirumavalavan said it was in the wake of a growing demand among party functionaries and cadres. “Though I am the leader of the party, I am also its member. So, I have to listen to it and abide by the collective decision. It was a democratic process,” he said, adding that it was neither a hasty decision nor one born out of a “greed for power”.

He wondered why his party was being singled out and targeted for criticism. DMK leader M K Stalin fully understood the prevailing political dynamics that prompted the decision, said Thirumavalavan. He remained non-committal, however, on whether VCK would join future DMK-led ideological protests or continue its alliance with DMK in the upcoming local body polls, stating that decisions would be made as situations arise.