Congress election strategy has weakened TMC, CPI(M) and DMK: Thirumavalavan

President of VCK Thol. Thirumavalavan. | Photo credit: R. Ashok

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) President Thol. Thirumavalavan on Monday criticized the Congress’ “election strategy” and “approach”, saying they had weakened the Trinamool Congress, CPI(M) and DMK in West Bengal, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

At a meeting of the INDIA bloc in New Delhi, Mr. Thirumavalavan said the Congress’ approach had created discontent among several constituents of the INDIA bloc.

He urged the bloc to “take a clear and unequivocal stand on the three-language policy being pushed by the BJP-led Union government”. “I further urge the Alliance to examine and discuss the recommendations made by the Justice Kurian Joseph Commission to the Tamil Nadu government on Centre-State relations. Such discussions will go a long way in strengthening federal principles and protecting states’ rights within the Indian Union,” he said. A copy of his speech was circulated in the media in Chennai.

Mr. Thirumavalavan said, “Mutual trust, understanding and unity among the opposition parties is essential for effective continuation of such struggles. In particular, the electoral strategy of the Congress in Kerala, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu has weakened the parties which were among the strongest pillars of this alliance. This is neither desirable nor beneficial to the larger cause of opposition unity as the Congress must re-examine its approach and further examine its approach. to solidify the alliance.”

“The INDIA Bloc brings together both national and regional parties. Differences of opinion are natural in such a broad coalition. But such differences must not be allowed to escalate into division. The responsibility to preserve unity lies not only with the regional parties, but equally with the national parties. At a time when center-state relations are under unprecedented strain, the national parties must rethink their attitudes to cooperation and federalism through Lennism.”

Criticizing the BJP’s “mishandling” of the education sector, Mr Thirumavalavan mentioned “a series of question paper leaks that led to the cancellation and re-conduct of major examinations that revealed widespread irregularities and systemic failures”.

“The current situation has arisen partly because we as a political force have failed to consistently mobilize and fight for the issues faced by the youth. We should not consider the Cockroach Janta Party, an organization that raises the concerns of the youth, as an adversary. Instead, the INDIA bloc must take up these issues on a broader platform, amplify the voices of the youth and protest in a coordinated manner,” he added.

Published – 08 Jun 2026 23:26 IST