From a forensic scientist to becoming the ‘kingmaker’ of Tamil Nadu politics, learn the full story of VCK founder Thol Thirumavalavan’s struggle and success.
New Delhi: Following the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Thol Thirumavalavan and his party, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), emerged as a decisive force in government formation. Respecting the public mandate and avoiding any constitutional crisis, Thirumavalavan announced unconditional support to actor Vijay’s party, the Tamil Nadu Vetri Kazhagam (TVK). Vijay’s party fell short of the magic number of a simple majority.
Displaying strategic foresight, he ensured a long-term vision for the state by working with allied left parties. He also maintained his alliance with the Secular Progressive Alliance led by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). By prioritizing public interest over momentary political gains, Thirumavalavan established his party as a strong ‘kingmaker’.
With the support of two VCK MLAs, as well as the IUML and other allies, the VCK managed to surpass the majority of 118 seats. This move paved the way for a stable government in the state. Thirumavalavan clarified that the primary objective of his decision was to prevent President’s rule in the state and protect democratic values.
Born on August 17, 1962, in Anganoor, Tamil Nadu, Thol Thirumavalavan, originally named Tolkappiyan Thirumavalavan, is one of India’s most prominent Dalit leaders, scholars, and social reformers. As the founder and president of the VCK, he is currently the Member of Parliament from the Chidambaram constituency. His outspoken advocacy for social justice has made him a prominent figure in Tamil Nadu politics for over three decades.
After completing his primary education in his hometown, he graduated in Chemistry from Presidency College, Chennai. He then earned a Master’s degree in Criminology in 1988. He served as a Scientific Assistant in the Government Forensic Science Department until 1999. He later studied law at Madras Law College and completed his PhD in 2019 from Manonmaniam Sundaranar University on the subject of conversions of Dalits in Meenakshipuram.
His political journey began in 1982 when he joined the Dalit Panthers Iyyakam (DPI) in Tamil Nadu. This organization was inspired by the Dalit Panthers of India and the Black Panther Party of the United States. Under the guidance of A. Malaichami, he led student protests for the Eelam Tamils and campaigned for Dalit rights. After Malaichami’s death in 1989, he became the state organizer of the DPI and later renamed the organization ‘Viduthalai Chiruthaigal’.
Deeply influenced by Sri Lanka’s ethnic conflict and the struggle for Tamil identity, the organization formally transformed into a political party called the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) in 1990. Initially, it maintained a distance from electoral politics and focused on spreading awareness against caste discrimination.
In 1999, he resigned from government service and contested his first Lok Sabha election from Perambalur in alliance with the Tamil Manila Congress. Despite losing this election, he received over 2.25 lakh votes. In 2001, he won his first assembly seat from the Mangalore (now dissolved) constituency.
Subsequently, in 2009, he was elected to the Lok Sabha from Chidambaram by a landslide victory, establishing the VCK as a recognized state party. Since then, he has contested several elections, winning resounding victories, establishing the VCK as a recognized state party. His party has been granted the “Matka” permanent election symbol by the Election Commission.
Under Thirumavalavan’s leadership, the VCK has exemplified pragmatic politics by forming alliances with major Dravidian parties and unexpected allies like the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK). His slogan, coined in 1996, “Refuse to be suppressed, transcend boundaries, rise fiercely, fight back,” has always inspired generations of Dalit youth to challenge systemic oppression.
Ideologically, he represents a unique amalgamation of Ambedkarite principles of social justice and Dalit empowerment, Periyar’s rationalist and anti-caste philosophy, and Marxist critiques of capitalism. The core principles of his party include the abolition of the caste system, opposition to social exclusion, protection of Tamil culture and language, women’s liberation, and support for the working class. His inspirations include Gautam Buddha, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Thanthai Periyar, and Velupillai Prabhakaran.
Beyond politics, he has also made significant contributions to the cultural and social sphere. He has acted in Tamil films such as “Anputhozhi” and “Kalagam” and has written several books. In 2016, he launched his party’s “Velicham TV” channel. He promotes Tamil naming to eliminate caste and religious identities and led environmental initiatives such as planting one lakh palm seeds across Tamil Nadu in 2018.
His political career has also been marked by controversy. He has frequently faced criticism for his comments on the Manusmriti, Hindu deities, the disabled, and LGBTQ+ issues. He faced several legal cases for his involvement in the 1999 bus burning and inflammatory speeches, though he successfully fought these charges in court. Former colleagues also accused him of accepting funds from Christian missionary organizations, a charge he has consistently denied.
Despite numerous controversies, his commitment to Dalit liberation and social reform has remained unwavering. He has received numerous honors for his social and political contributions, including the 2025 Icon of Social Liberation Award, the 2019 Quaid-e-Millat Award for Integrity in Public Life, and the 2024 Best Performing Parliamentarian Award. Under his leadership, the VCK also honors social activists with the Ambedkar Sudar and Periyar Oli awards.
Thirumavalavan, a lifelong bachelor, has dedicated his entire life to the upliftment of marginalized communities. His journey from a forensic scientist to becoming a kingmaker in Tamil Nadu politics is a masterful blend of social activism and political strategy. He has shaped the state’s political landscape by advocating for equality, justice, and Tamil identity.
Rajan Chaudhary
Courtesy: Hindi News