Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) founder Thol. Thirumavalavan on Thursday (May 14, 2026) distanced himself from reports of backroom discussions on making him Tamil Nadu’s first Chief Minister from the Scheduled Castes, saying he was unaware of any internal deliberations within the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and other parties.
His remarks come a day after AIADMK rebel leader C.Ve. Shanmugam alleged that AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami had blocked an opportunity for an SC Chief Minister. Mr. Thirumavalavan said he had only heard from some close associates that such talks were taking place. The deliberations reportedly took place in the wake of the fractured mandate in the recent Assembly elections.
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“I do not know what discussions took place within the AIADMK or what conversations happened behind the scenes. Some of my close friends informed me that such talks were going on, that is all,” he said.
Mr. Thirumavalavan also rejected allegations that the VCK had delayed its political decision to bargain with alliances. He reiterated the party had consistently maintained it would decide its stand after consultations within its high-level committee and in line with the Left parties’ position.
