MekedatuDam – VCK Calls for Wider Political Consultation on Key State Issues
MekedatuDam – Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol. Thirumavalavan has appealed to the Tamil Nadu government to organize an all-party consultation to discuss the proposed Mekedatu dam project in neighbouring Karnataka. He said the issue carries significant implications for Tamil Nadu and requires a collective political response involving representatives from across the political spectrum.
Call for Discussion on Mekedatu Project
In a statement, Thirumavalavan emphasized that all major political parties should be brought together to assess the possible impact of the dam proposal on Tamil Nadu’s water interests. According to him, a unified approach would help the State present its concerns more effectively. He also noted that the Congress government in Karnataka had previously shown awareness of Tamil Nadu’s position on the matter, while Congress leaders in Tamil Nadu had generally cooperated with the State government on issues affecting regional interests.
Concerns Over NEET and Student Welfare
The VCK leader also raised concerns about the continued debate surrounding the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). Referring to reports of student deaths allegedly linked to examination-related stress, including a recent case involving a student from Salem, he described the situation as deeply troubling.
He urged the Tamil Nadu government to initiate extensive consultations with legal experts, education stakeholders and political leaders to explore every constitutional and legal option available. Thirumavalavan said the government should pursue all possible measures to address concerns associated with the examination system through lawful channels.
Remarks on AIADMK’s Political Situation
Commenting on recent developments within the AIADMK, Thirumavalavan said the party’s current position had become a matter of concern. Recalling his earlier remarks that safeguarding the party’s future was the responsibility of its General Secretary, K. Palaniswami, he said those comments had attracted criticism at the time.
However, he maintained that recent events have highlighted challenges facing the opposition party. He suggested that senior leaders within the AIADMK should carefully evaluate the issues confronting the organization and consider steps to strengthen its future direction.
Focus on Honour Killings and Crimes Against Women
Addressing social issues, Thirumavalavan pointed to the persistence of honour killings and violence against women, describing them as serious concerns that continue to affect society. He alleged that in several cases, adequate follow-up action is not taken even after complaints and criminal cases are registered.
Drawing attention to the Tamil Nadu government’s recently established Singappen Special Task Force aimed at addressing crimes against women, he said similar attention should be directed toward preventing honour-based violence. He added that the VCK and its alliance partners intend to submit a formal memorandum to the Chief Minister seeking stronger measures on the issue.
Demand for Greater Legislative Transparency
Thirumavalavan also called for increased transparency in the functioning of the State legislature. He said he would request the Chief Minister to ensure that proceedings of the Tamil Nadu Assembly are telecast live in full, similar to the practice followed in Parliament. According to him, broader public access to legislative discussions would strengthen transparency and encourage greater civic participation.
Comments on Possible New Political Formation
On reports suggesting that former BJP Tamil Nadu president K. Annamalai may launch a new political party, Thirumavalavan questioned whether such an initiative would truly represent a different political direction. He alleged that the proposed outfit appeared to have support from circles associated with the BJP and the RSS.
He further argued that even if the new party attempts to project a distinct identity, voters in Tamil Nadu would evaluate it based on its underlying political ideology. According to him, the public is capable of distinguishing between a genuinely new political alternative and a rebranded version of an existing political approach.