At a recent meeting seeking a separate legislation to deal with caste hatred-driven crimes, VCK founder Thol. Thirumavalavan had specifically targeted the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), founded by actor Vijay, for not taking a strong stance against violence faced by Scheduled Castes in Tamil Nadu.
Asked why the TVK was singled out when mainstream parties too had remained silent, VCK general secretary D. Ravikumar told The Hindu thelatter parties cannot be excused for failing to take a position against honour-based crimes, the silence of newer parties such as TVK—who claim to be an alternative to the mainstream—would make voters question their commitment to the values of secularism and social justice.
“Mr Vijay has started a party claiming the is an alternative to the DMK and AIADMK. When the whole of Tamil Nadu is discussing and debating the issue, why is he keeping quiet? Why has he not made his stance clear?” asked Mr. Ravikumar.
He rejected the view that TVK might feel taking a public stance against such crime could be misconstrued as a stand against a particular community.
“The public opinion in Tamil Nadu is against casteism. Even the YouTube channel Parithabangal released a video criticising the murder in a comical way, and it went viral. Most sections of society appreciated the video, barring a few. Why must political parties think that voters will reject them for opposing honour crimes?” he said.
