Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK)
விடுதலைச் சிறுத்தைகள் கட்சி
A leading voice of Dalit and anti-caste politics in Tamil Nadu, led by Thol. Thirumavalavan.
About
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) traces its roots to the Dalit Panthers of India, formed in 1982 in Madurai. Thol. Thirumavalavan took over its leadership in 1990 and built it into a mass movement against caste discrimination and violence.
The movement entered electoral politics in 1999. Inspired by B. R. Ambedkar and Periyar, the VCK campaigns for the rights of Dalits and other marginalised communities, land rights, and Tamil nationalist causes.
Thirumavalavan has been elected to the Lok Sabha from Chidambaram. After its performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, the VCK was recognised as a state party by the Election Commission of India.
Key Milestones
- 1982
Dalit Panthers of India formed
- 1990
Thol. Thirumavalavan becomes leader
- 1999
Enters electoral politics
- 2024
Recognised as a state party
- 2026
Wins 2 of 8 seats contested in the DMK-led alliance
- 2026
Extends support to the TVK-led government while staying in the alliance
TVK
DMK
AIADMK
BJP
INC
PMK
CPI(M)
NTK
MDMK