As part of its efforts to mobilise political parties and democratic forces against what it describes as “the hate campaign of the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK),” Viduthalai Chiruthaikal Katchi (VCK) on Sunday reached out to Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), a party to which the VCK was not known to be friendly till now.
On Sunday afternoon, VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan, who has been meeting leaders of political parties, went to the headquarters of the DMDK here and discussed the Marakkanam violence with DMDK founder Vijayakant for about an hour.
He also requested him to take part in a conference to be organised by the VCK in Chennai on May 4.
“We presented him a copy of the hate speech made by the PMK leaders at Mamallapuram on the occasion of Chitra Pournami. He shared our concern and agreed to send a senior leader to represent his party since he will not be in the city on the day,” Mr Thirumavalavan told The Hindu.
He had already met leaders of the two Left parties, CPI and CPI(M) who had agreed to take part in the conference. On Saturday, he had met DMK president M. Karunanidhi.
“We have sought an appointment with Chief Minister Jayalalithaa and will meet MDMK leader Vaiko on Monday,” he said.
VCK general secretary and former MLA Ravikumar said the speech of the PMK leaders sounded like a call for a civil war in the State and would disturb peace in the society.
“It is not just an issue involving Dalits and the VCK but the larger question of social amity,” he said.