Thiruma’s farewell address for LS polls: Emphasizing public service over power

“I’ve never used my position as a member of parliament for selfish interests. Thol Thirumavalavan, the president of the party, said, “I always consider myself as the leader of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK)” on Wednesday during his last campaign for the next Lok Sabha elections.

The VCK leader, who is running for office from the Chidambaram (reserved) seat, said that the goal of the elections was to serve the public interest rather than to gain political office.

In response to inquiries about his views on non-Dalits, particularly Vanniyars, he said, “On the day of the elections in 1999, a few regrettable occurrences took place. But such occurrences are neither my fault or the fault of VCK employees. They have unjustly damaged my reputation among the populace.”

Regarding the worries about possible conflicts, he said, “There is a preconceived notion that conflicts will arise in areas where I disagree. But the leaders of our coalition party have admitted that I’m not that sort of guy. During my 10 years on the job, I haven’t caused any problems. Not even the names of the authorities or contractors in the constituency are familiar to me. I have never asked for suggestions from a police station. It is my responsibility to speak on State matters both in the legislature and outside. Over the last five years, I have made 68 speeches in the parliament, endorsing or criticizing laws as necessary.”