Tiruchirappalli (Tamil Nadu) [India], February 18 : Thol. Thirumavalavan, leader of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and MP from Chidambaram, on Wednesday said that the Congress party is firmly part of the DMK-led alliance and there is no confusion about it.
He spoke to reporters after arriving at the Tiruchirappalli International Airport on his way to Ariyalur for a party event. Party district secretaries and functionaries welcomed him at the airport.
"There is no doubt. Congress is in the DMK alliance. The alliance is strong and united," he said.
"I feel Congress is claiming its rights, but this will not affect our alliance. Definitely, Congress will continue in the same alliance, and we will win in the forthcoming elections. VCK is a political party that claimed a share of power from 1999. Still, we are staunch in this stand. But we believe that it is not the right time to raise this issue, and we don't want to weaken our alliance. This time, we will not claim a power share in the alliance," he added.
Speaking about the demand for service roads on both sides of the Tiruchi-Thanjavur Road at Thuvakudi, he said several political parties and non-political organisations have been raising the issue. A case was filed in the High Court, which directed that service roads should be constructed. However, the work is still pending, causing disappointment among the public.
He said the Communist Party of India is staging a hunger strike to press the demand. He urged the Tamil Nadu government and the Union government to acquire the required land and implement the court's order without delay. He added that the protest should not be seen as election-related and said there is no hidden motive.
On the issue of liquor and drugs, he said it is not a demand of one particular party but a concern of the people across the country. He said substance abuse is increasing, and the government must take serious steps to control it. He added that his party has been insisting that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government gradually reduce and close liquor shops in Tamil Nadu to protect the younger generation and society.
Responding to a question about the ₹1.40 lakh crore allocation for women's self-help groups and the issue of repayment, he said the government should look into the matter carefully. He also pointed out that large financial relief is given to corporate companies, but such issues do not receive the same level of concern.
On seat-sharing talks, Thirumavalavan said asking for a fair share during alliance discussions is not wrong and will not break the alliance. He said they will place their demands during negotiations and added that there is no problem in the DMK-led alliance.
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