Senior party leaders had flagged that Arjuna's remark could damage the party's alliance with the DMK, which led VCK President Thol Thirumavalavan to suspend Arjuna from the party for six months.
Published Dec 09, 2024 | 10:52 AM ⚊ Updated Dec 09, 2024 | 12:42 PM
Aadhav Arjuna.
The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) in Tamil Nadu on Monday, 9 December, suspended its Deputy General Secretary Aadhav Arjuna for six months following the controversial remarks he made during a book launch event.
Senior party leaders had flagged that Arjuna’s remark could damage the party’s alliance with the DMK, which led VCK President Thol Thirumavalavan to suspend Arjuna from the party for six months.
The controversy began during the launch of “Ellorukkumana Thalaivar Ambedkar” (Ambedkar: A Leader for All) in Chennai, where Arjuna spoke on topics ranging from ideological leadership to caste-based politics in Tamil Nadu.
During the event, also attended by actor Vijay, Arjuna emphasised the need to eradicate “monarchy-like practices” in the state’s politics, stating that leadership should be based on ideology rather than hereditary lineage.
His remarks included criticism of caste-based electoral politics and calls for a transformation in governance.
Notably, Arjuna lauded actor Vijay as an emerging ideological leader and suggested his newly launched Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and his involvement could signal a new chapter in Tamil Nadu politics.
Arjuna’s remark criticising the ruling party sparked speculation about his views on the VCK’s alliance with the DMK and, by extension, the INDIA bloc.
In a press release notifying the suspension of Arjuna, Thirumavalavan said the former engaged in actions that damaged the party’s reputation and values, as per the findings of the leadership.
He said that the decision was made following a meeting of the party’s senior leadership on 7 December.
“Aadhav Arjuna was found guilty of violating party norms and discipline after an inquiry conducted by the leadership. The suspension serves as a measure to maintain the party’s integrity and standards, reflecting the leadership’s firm stance against any indiscipline,” the notification said.
“Aadhav Arjuna is barred from participating in any party activities for the next six months. The leadership emphasizes unity and adherence to party values, reiterating its commitment to ethical practices,” it added.
#TamilNadu: VCK (Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi) Deputy General Secretary Aadhav Arjuna has been suspended from the party for six months, according to a statement issued by VCK President Thirumavalavan. pic.twitter.com/A5TIUzxjRP
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) December 9, 2024
Earlier, speaking to reporters in Madurai, Thirumavalavan addressed the situation saying that the party remains committed to its secular values and its role in the INDIA coalition.
He dismissed rumours of internal or external pressure to disrupt the DMK-led alliance, stating, “If there had been any pressure from the DMK, I would have refrained from joining the alliance from the beginning.”
Thirumavalavan clarified that while Arjuna’s statements were not discussed with the party leadership beforehand, they were being reviewed.
“When someone acts against party interests or violates party discipline, especially in ways that harm the party, the matter must be discussed within the high-level committee,” he said.
The VCK leader also highlighted the party’s commitment to inclusivity, particularly in protecting the interests of its non-Dalit members. “Ensuring the safety and security of non-Dalit members in the party is a leader’s duty,” he said, reiterating the resolutions outlined in the Velachery declaration.
According to sources within the VCK, Arjuna’s comments have caused unease among senior party members, who believe his statements could be perceived as undermining the party’s alliance with the DMK.
“Certain forces are conspiring to disrupt the DMK-led alliance, and the VCK will not allow itself to be used as a tool for their agenda,” Thirumavalavan said.
The controversy centres on Arjuna’s remarks suggesting that actor Vijay could emerge as a political leader with significant sway in Tamil Nadu politics. Arjuna’s statements have sparked tension within the VCK and its alliance with the DMK.
His comments, particularly highlighting the DMK’s dependence on the VCK in northern Tamil Nadu constituencies, were seen as politically provocative. He also criticised Udhayanidhi Stalin’s rapid rise in politics while questioning why VCK leader Thirumavalavan had not been given a similar opportunity despite his extensive experience and academic credentials.
This tension was further exacerbated after Arjuna invited Vijay to a book release event and framed it as a move that might open doors for an alliance between the VCK and Vijay’s fledgling political interests. This step fueled speculation about internal divisions within the VCK, with critics questioning whether such actions were undertaken with Thirumavalavan’s approval.
DMK leader A Raja strongly rebuked Arjuna’s remarks, emphasising that they were politically unwise and misaligned with the principles of the DMK-VCK alliance. He reiterated the shared values between the two parties and expressed confidence that Thirumavalavan would address the issue.
The controversy also brings into focus the broader challenges faced by the VCK as it balances its ideological commitments to social justice with practical political strategies.
Political analyst Raveendran Duraiswamy, speaking to South First, suggested that the controversy stems from internal tensions within the VCK.
“Thirumavalavan is simply not willing to take a chance in risking his already existing relationship with the DMK, whereas due to personal ego with the DMK family, Aadhav Arjuna is creating this menace. In my opinion, Vijay won’t cross four percent of votes, so this entire controversy is based on internalized issues being projected in different ways.”
This episode underscores the delicate balance political alliances must maintain in Tamil Nadu’s evolving landscape as leaders navigate personal ambitions and broader ideological commitments, said Duraiswamy.
It is also important to note that Vijay had declared the DMK as his TVK’s political rival in Tamil Nadu.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
