Chennai, March 21, 2026 – The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) has finalized its seat-sharing arrangement with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, securing eight constituencies. Among these, two are designated as general seats. This allocation comes after prolonged negotiations within the larger Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA).
The VCK's strategy, according to party president Thol. Thirumavalavan, now emphasizes the necessity of fielding local candidates within the allotted constituencies. This directive appears to be a direct response to past electoral outcomes, with Thirumavalavan citing concerns that "outsiders" may have contributed to losses in constituencies like Arakkonam and Vanur. The VCK president articulated this sentiment during a virtual address to party members on Saturday.
The VCK had initially sought a larger number of seats, reportedly demanding 12 constituencies, a significant increase from the six seats contested in the 2021 polls. However, Thirumavalavan has publicly stated that the VCK will not seek a share in governance, focusing instead on the alliance's overarching goal to "defeat communal forces." He acknowledged that the limited number of seats allocated—fewer than ten—necessitates a strategic consideration of candidates who have strong ties to the specific constituencies.
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"The alliance's strength is more important than that of individual parties," Thirumavalavan stated, underscoring the VCK's commitment to maintaining the cohesion of the INDIA bloc, which he described as a collective force against a "right-wing challenge" posed by the BJP-AIADMK alliance. The negotiations involved over 18 parties within the SPA, with seat-sharing talks reportedly taking longer due to overlapping interests and the inclusion of new entrants. Thirumavalavan also indicated that the DMK has made concessions, "sacrificing its seats for the sake of the alliance," a sentiment that highlights the complex internal dynamics of coalition politics.
Background on VCK's Electoral Posture
The VCK's stance on seat allocation and candidate selection reflects a recurring theme in its electoral engagements. As a prominent Dalit political party, its leadership has consistently advocated for social justice and the rights of marginalized communities. Thirumavalavan has been a vocal critic of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of undermining the nation's secular fabric and failing to address crucial issues such as Dalit rights and livelihood concerns.
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The party's participation in the DMK-led alliance is framed within a broader strategy to counter what it perceives as communal politics. While pushing for a greater share of seats, the VCK has reiterated its commitment to the alliance, prioritizing its unity and effectiveness over individual party gains. Thirumavalavan has also expressed skepticism regarding the BJP's ability to build genuine grassroots support in Tamil Nadu, attributing its potential growth largely to alliances rather than organic appeal. His remarks on separating religious faith from political allegiance also signal a critical perspective on how faith is often mobilized in political discourse. The VCK has also expressed interest in contesting seats in Puducherry, indicating a regional political ambition beyond Tamil Nadu.
