The exit of the former Deputy General Secretary follows a week after the party suspended him for six months, which had already raised questions about his future.
Published Dec 16, 2024 | 9:36 AM ⚊ Updated Dec 16, 2024 | 9:36 AM
Aadhav Arjuna. (X)
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Aadhav Arjuna announced his resignation on Sunday, 15 December, hours after party President Thol Thirumavalavan sharply criticised his actions.
The exit of the former Deputy General Secretary follows a week after the party suspended him for six months, which had already raised questions about his future.
While addressing the media in Tiruchirappalli of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, Thirumavalavan openly expressed doubts about Arjuna’s intentions and accused him of having a hidden agenda.
Thirumavalavan made strong statements regarding Arjuna’s continued public remarks following his suspension. He questioned the timing and nature of Arjuna’s statements, suggesting they were part of a broader political manoeuvre.
“After being suspended, it is wrong for Aadhav Arjuna to continue expressing conflicting opinions,” Thirumavalavan said.
“The reason Aadhav Arjuna keeps making such statements is because he has a different agenda. His removal from the party was not just a symbolic act. If he wished to rejoin and work with the party after six months, he should have remained silent,” he said.
Thirumavalavan’s response pointed to a deepening divide within the VCK, as he hinted that Arjuna’s decision to leave the party might be driven by personal political motives rather than a genuine difference of opinion.
The comments set the stage for Arjuna’s resignation, which came just hours later.
In his resignation letter, Arjuna expressed deep respect for Thirumavalavan and the VCK acknowledging the crucial role the party played in his political growth.
He recalled joining the party as a strategic member, later becoming a basic member, and eventually being appointed Deputy General Secretary due to Thirumavalavan’s trust in him.
Over the past two years, Arjuna said, he had worked with dedication, focusing on grassroots issues that deepened his understanding of caste-based social structures and their impact on marginalised communities.
He expressed gratitude towards VCK for supporting his mission to fight caste oppression and uplift the oppressed. Arjuna made it clear that he had no ideological disagreements with the party, stating that his initial intention was to fight for the marginalised and that he had no personal agenda.
However, internal frustrations and political debates over public welfare have led to growing tensions, he said.
Arjuna said he did not want these disagreements to escalate into a public rift and having been suspended for six months, he felt it was best to part ways completely to avoid further conflicts.
In his resignation letter, Arjuna expressed gratitude for the guidance he received from both Thirumavalavan and his comrades. He reaffirmed his commitment to continue his political work, focusing on the principles of social justice, equality, and democracy, inspired by Dr BR Ambedkar.
Concluding with the statement, “Truth will prevail,” Arjuna made it clear that while he was leaving VCK, his dedication to his ideals and mission would remain steadfast as he moved forward in his political journey.
பெறுநர்;
எழுச்சித் தமிழர் திரு.தொல். திருமாவளவன்,
தலைவர், விடுதலைச் சிறுத்தைகள் கட்சி,பொருள்; விடுதலைச் சிறுத்தைகள் கட்சியிலிருந்து முழுமையாக விலகுவது தொடர்பாக,
நான் என்றும் மதிக்கும் அன்புத் தலைவருக்கு வணக்கம்,
விடுதலைச் சிறுத்தைகள்… pic.twitter.com/kNdZVtB4aT
— Aadhav Arjuna (@AadhavArjuna) December 15, 2024
Following Arjuna’s exit, political analysts were quick to predict the next phase of his political career. Raveendran Duraiswamy, a political analyst, suggested that Arjuna’s departure from VCK could pave the way for him to join a larger political entity, with AIADMK and actor Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) emerging as potential destinations.
“There are high chances that Aadhav Arjuna may seek to join either AIADMK or TVK, Duraiswamy said. “Given the current political dynamics, it’s likely that Arjuna might align with these parties, especially considering the importance of consolidating a vote bank. With AIADMK under the leadership of Edappadi K Palaniswami, Arjuna’s entry into either camp would make a lot of strategic sense.”
Duraiswamy further noted that Arjuna’s strong grassroots connections, particularly among marginalised communities, would make him a valuable asset for either AIADMK or TVK, both of which are looking to expand their influence in Tamil Nadu.
“As speculation continues about his next move, a continuous follow-up will be made (by political parties) on Aadhav Arjuna’s future decisions, with his next political alignment could potentially reshape the dynamics of Tamil Nadu’s electoral landscape in the upcoming elections,” he added.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
