Thirumavalavan’s statements on SIR sends mixed signal to cadre, party leaders

Contradictory statements and positions taken by the VCK on the impact of SIR of electoral rolls on the results of the recent Assembly election in the State has surprised and confused political circles, as VCK continues to be a part of the cabinet led by TVK.Participating in a protest against the Election Commission of India in New Delhi recently, VCK president Thol. Thirumavalavan raised doubts over TVK’s recent victory and attributed its success to the SIR process.“SIR created a three-cornered contest and that is why we have this result. It is possible that TVK’s victory could be due to the SIR (its impact) just as in other States,” he said, surprising many.After all, Mr. Thirumavalavan threw his weight behind the TVK, which recently contested in the bypolls in Madurantakam and Dharapuram reserved constituencies.VCK general secretary D. Ravikumar also echoed similar sentiments. Asked how VCK could justify its support for the TVK government while simultaneously questioning the Assembly election results, he said, “We have raised concerns about the SIR process, not just now, but in the last many months since it was implemented. There is a serious possibility that SIR could have influenced the outcome of the Tamil Nadu Assembly poll, as it has in other post-SIR States. Major political parties and civil society organisations should conduct a survey, like the CPI(ML) did in Bihar, and verify the deletions and additions.”He further said, “Our leader said at the time of the results that in constituencies where there had been more deletions, TVK had won, and where there had been fewer deletions, the other parties had done better. But this does not automatically mean that TVK benefited from SIR, there needs to be a proper investigation into the SIR process in Tamil Nadu to find out the social composition of the deleted voters.”A senior VCK leader said it is time for Mr. Thirumavalavan to take a clear stance with respect to alliance. “Our leader needs to communicate to the cadre and the supporters where the VCK stands with respect to TVK. Statements such as these are not helping the party. We should preserve our ideological foundation,” he said.Another VCK leader added, “The statements perhaps reflects the fact that he is not confident about TVK’s electoral fortunes in the future and its ideological commitment in opposing the BJP/RSS. We should have supported the TVK to form the government from outside.” Published - October 08, 2026 07:00 am IST