Minorities have reposed faith in the VCK because of its secular push, say leaders

VCK to hold rally against Waqf Act, solidifying position as defender of minority rights in Tamil Nadu.

The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) is preparing to organise a massive rally against the Waqf (Amendment) Act in Tiruchi on May 31 to further cement its position as the strong defender of the rights of the minority communities in Tamil Nadu.

The decision was taken at a recent meeting of the party district secretaries. Preparations are being made to organise the rally by mobilising Muslims and VCK workers in a large number.

While only the Congress has so far been able to present the DMK-led alliance as “secular”, VCK founder Thol. Thirumavalavan persistently raising issues related to the rights of the minority communities has helped the party gain their trust, say party sources.

“Today, the minority communities see the alliance that we are part of as the secular alliance,”  VCK general secretary and Villupuram MP D. Ravikumar said. He added that the party had raised the problems of Muslims and organised protests, including the one against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, because of its ideological commitment and not because of any electoral calculation.

Senior party leaders said the ideologically consistent positions taken by the party without being swayed by “offers” had given the VCK a stronger footing in the alliance. “In the DMK-led alliance, we are the only partner that can appoint booth agents across Tamil Nadu. The Congress, the MDMK, the CPI, or the CPI(M) don’t have the strength to do it. We hope to be given our due in the alliance,” a senior leader said.