Published May 21, 2026 | 11:07 PM ⚊ Updated May 21, 2026 | 11:07 PM
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) President Thol Thirumavalavan.
Synopsis: Thirumavalavan said the decision was taken after consultations with the party’s general secretary and other senior office-bearers. He stated that a majority of party functionaries favoured joining the government.
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol. Thirumavalavan on Thursday, 21 May, announced that his party has decided to become part of the Tamil Nadu government led by C Joseph Vijay.
Addressing reporters, Thirumavalavan said the decision was taken after consultations with the party’s general secretary and other senior office-bearers. He stated that a majority of party functionaries favoured joining the government.
The VCK leader said the party decided to nominate Tindivanam MLA Vanni Arasu as its minister in the TVK-led government.
Thirumavalavan said more than 30 party functionaries participated in an online meeting held on 8 May. Most members supported VCK joining the government. He added that party members had repeatedly insisted that VCK should be represented in the ministry.
Referring to the recent public appeal from Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam for both VCK and the Indian Union Muslim League to join the government, Thirumavalavan said the invitation prompted the party to reconsider its earlier stand of extending outside support.
He recalled that VCK had long advocated coalition governance in Tamil Nadu and had first raised the idea of sharing power and Cabinet participation during its electoral association with GK Moopanar in 1999.
Calling it the “first real introduction of coalition governance” in Tamil Nadu, Thirumavalavan said the party’s long-standing political vision also influenced the decision.
However, when asked whether VCK would continue in the DMK alliance or align politically with TVK in the future, Thirumavalavan said he would respond “tomorrow or the day after.”
Meanwhile, VCK cadres and functionaries celebrated the announcement by distributing sweets.
Vijay has kept two Cabinet berths open, hoping that the VCK and IUML would accept his invitation to join the government.
The government has 33 ministers, including Vijay. Of the 33 ministers, two are from the Congress party, and the rest from the TVK.
