Signs of rift in VCK’s stand as leaders differ

In an open letter written a few days ago to his party chief Tirumavalavan, party deputy general secretary Aloor Sha Navas has questioned general secretary Ravikumar’s influence on Tirumavalavan and the party’s decision making. Navas has cited two instances, thanking Modi’s “shoot me” speech and welcoming BJP leader Tarun Vijay’s “celebration” of Tiruvalluvar (both posted on Facebook by Ravikumar), to demonstrate, what he suspects is a digression from the party’s established path. 

Also taking to Facebook, Navas had reasoned that Ravikumar’s views were glaringly contrary to the party’s stand and hence the open letter. Despite subsequently removing the post, an outspoken Navas has filed a caveat saying: “I removed the comment because many comrades were unhappy with my making the letter public. But I was compelled to go public because general secretary (Ravikumar) had aired his views publicly.” 

Even if one were tempted to treat it as a minor aberration, a close scrutiny reveals two disturbing things. Is the Dalit movement drifting away from its established hard line anti-Hindutva stand or just making a few opportunist political compromises? 

Secondly, is Tirumavalvan taking counsel only from Ravikumar, much to the chagrin of other functionaries? The seeming ideological drifting, said to be happening at Ravikumar’s behest, is of graver concern considering that VCK is the only audible voice of Dalits and its actions have been consistent with its ideas, which inspire confidence in the marginalised community which continues to be victim of discrimination in the state. 

VCK insiders, who were willing to dismiss the “Modi-thanking” as sheer ‘improvisation,’ admitted to their not doing enough when a Dalit political uprising was gaining momentum countrywide. 

Equally disturbed by the party’s treatment of Tarun Vijay, a senior VCK leader said, “Considering other parties’ silence on Dalit issues, one can hope that Modi’s statement would make them talk. But appreciating Tarun Vijay is unacceptable. Also, I will not believe if someone says Ravikumar influences Tirumavalvan into appreciating Tarun Vijay. He must have liked it too,” suggesting that Navas would have done well to criticise Tirumavalavan directly instead of beating around the bush. 

Many expect Tirumavalavan to clear the air around some of his recent political decisions.