Editor’s note: With the VCK emerging as a key force in Tamil Nadu’s changing political landscape after extending support to Vijay’s TVK in the formation of the new government, TNM is republishing this detailed profile of the party and its leader Thol Thirumavalavan, originally published during the 2024 Lok Sabha election, with minor contextual updates.

When a young Thol Thirumavalavan thundered ‘Adanga maru, Athu meeru, Thimiri Ezhu, Thiruppi Adi’ (‘Refuse to be subdued, Transgress, Rise vehemently, Retaliate’) standing on the south car street in Chidambaram in 1996, it marked a political awakening for many Dalit youngsters, who had been conditioned to silently endure oppression. 

In the 25 years since its foray into electoral politics, Thirumavalavan’s party – the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) – has evolved into a strategic and astute force and the biggest Dalit party in Tamil Nadu. Though its electoral strength has remained limited in terms of seats, VCK has by now emerged as a crucial alliance player. Following the 2026 Assembly elections, the party has now become a kingmaker in Tamil Nadu politics after extending support to Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in the formation of the new government.

Notably, despite expanding its political base across the five southern states and being considered an ideological nemesis to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the VCK’s current prospects and future trajectory still hinge largely on the persona and politics of one........

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