VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan on Sunday criticised the “fringe elements” who create the perception that the VCK is fully dependent on the DMK to the extent of surrendering the welfare of Dalits for electoral politics.

In a social media address, Mr. Thirumavalavan urged party cadre to prepare for a rally against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, adding that he was taking a principled, long-term stand on alliance. “We don’t want the BJP to gain a foothold in Tamil Nadu, but they are creating a meaningless narrative, empowering fringe elements and encouraging casteist and religious forces. We are trying to keep the secular progressive alliance led by the DMK intact, [but many people talk] as if we are fully dependent on the DMK. I would like to clarify that we can take any decision on the alliance. It is not a big deal. Keeping all the doors open, negotiating with many parties at the same time, and joining the alliance that gives a better offer is just opportunistic politics,” he said.

With growing instances of atrocities against Dalits, the VCK has faced criticism from various quarters that have urged it to be more assertive towards the ruling dispensation. However, Mr. Thirumavalavan said, “The demands that we place in front of the ruling dispensation are separate from the relationship we have with the DMK in the alliance.”

D. Ravikumar, Villupuram MP and VCK general secretary, said the DMK government had given the VCK ample space to engage with it on several issues related to Dalits and their empowerment.

“We are in an alliance through which we have been able to pass several key legislations and push for more welfare schemes; for instance, the creation of a separate SC Commission, a dedicated legislation for proper implementation of the SC/ST Sub-Plan, and fixing accountability on the State government. From now on, the State government will be under scrutiny,” he said.

Mr. Ravikumar sought to highlight the role of bureaucrats in creating impediments and said that it was worthwhile to be in an alliance with the DMK, which was willing to listen to and work with the VCK to improve the lives of Dalits.

“During the last ten years of AIADMK rule—particularly under Edappadi K. Palniswami — the bureaucracy was infiltrated by those sympathetic to the right-wing ideology. Governor R.N. Ravi openly said that civil servants should be loyal to the Centre, and Annamalai (former BJP president) reportedly had a habit of directly contacting district police chiefs (SPs) to issue instructions. What we must ask is whether this government intends to empower Dalits. The answer is yes,” he said.

R. Murugappan, a social activist, said the VCK’s presence and support for victims of caste atrocities had been crucial. He questioned why the entire burden of speaking up for Dalits should fall on the shoulders of the VCK.

A. Kathir, who runs the NGO Evidence, said the situation in Tamil Nadu was not encouraging when it came to atrocities against Dalits.

“In the last three or four years, there have been 7,500 cases of atrocities against Dalits pending in courts, with around 750 in Madurai alone. There are 63 members in the State-level vigilance and monitoring committee; but why has there been an increase in heinous crimes? In four months, there have been 700 cases, of which 80% are heinous crimes. What about economic development of Dalits? There is no data,” he claimed.