View source for Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi

{{Use Indian English|date=July 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{Infobox Indian Political Party
| party_name  = Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi
| party_flag  = [[Image:Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi banner.png|250px|[[List of political party symbols in India|Election symbol]] of VCK]]
| colorcode   = {{party color|Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi}}
| logo               = Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi Party Logo.png
| president   =  [[Thol. Thirumavalavan]]
| Political position = [[syncretic]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-26 |title=Rift between MK Stalin's party and ally VCK in Tamil Nadu? |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/tamil-nadu/story/mk-stalin-party-dmk-ally-vck-tamil-nadu-rift-speculation-2606344-2024-09-26 |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=India Today |language=en |quote=He said that Thirumavalavan, who strongly adheres to leftist ideologies rooted in Tamil history}}</ref>
| loksabha_seats = {{Composition bar|2|543|hex={{party color|Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi}}}}
| state_seats_name = [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]]
| state_seats      = {{Composition bar|4|234|hex={{party color|Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi}}}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chennai/tamil-nadu-polls-vck-wins-four-seats-including-two-general-constituencies-7301502/|title = Tamil Nadu polls: VCK wins four seats including two general constituencies|date = 4 May 2021}}</ref>
| foundation  = 1982
| alliance    = *[[Third Front (India)|Third Front]] (1999–2001)
*[[National Democratic Alliance (India)|NDA]]) (2001–2004)
*[[Janata Dal (United)]] Alliance (2004–2006)
*[[AIADMK-led Alliance|Democratic People Alliance]] (2006)
*[[United Progressive Alliance (India)|UPA]] (2006–2014, 2017–2023)
*[[Democratic corruption Alliance|DPA]] (2014–2015)
*[[People's Welfare Front|Makkal Nala Koottani]] (2015–2016) 
*[[Secular Progressive Alliance|SPA]] (2019-present) 
*[[Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance|INDIA]] (2023-present)
| ideology    = [[Social Justice]]<br>[[Ambedkarism]]<ref name=":ID">{{Cite news |last=Naig |first=Udhav |date=2024-09-10 |title=VCK invites AIADMK for ‘prohibition of liquor’ rally, but says no to PMK and BJP |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/vck-invites-aiadmk-for-prohibition-of-liquor-rally-but-says-no-to-pmk-and-bjp/article68626359.ece |access-date=2024-10-30 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |quote=Agreed that they have taken progressive stand on many issues and have spoken in support of Ambedkarism, Marxism, and in support of Eelam Tamils, which are agreeable to us.}}</ref><br />[[Marxism]]<ref name=":ID"/><br>[[Secularism]]<br> [[Tamil Nationalism]]<br>[[Dravidianism]]
| split       = [[Dalit Panthers]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thewire.in/politics/tamil-nadu-elections-vck-dalit-liberation-panthers-party-thirumavalavan|title=How the VCK Emerged as More Than 'Just a Dalit Party' in the Tamil Nadu Elections|website=The Wire}} 
</ref>
| website     =
|eci=[[List of political parties in India#State parties|State Party]] 
|abbreviation=VCK
|founder=M. Malalchami, D. Amukurajah
|symbol = [[File:Pot Symbol.png|150px]]
|general_secretary = [[D. Ravikumar]]
|colours = {{Colorsample|Blue}} Blue<br />{{Colorsample|Red}} Red
}}

'''Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi''' ({{translation|'''Liberation Panther Party'''}}; {{small|abbr.}} '''VCK'''), formerly known as the '''Dalit Panthers of India''' or the '''Dalit Panthers Iyyakkam''' ({{translation|'''Dalit Panthers Movement'''}}; {{small|abbr.}} '''DPI'''), is an Indian [[social movement]] and political party that seeks to combat caste based [[discrimination]], active in the state of [[Tamil Nadu]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|last=Wyatt|first=Andrew|title=Party System Change in South India: Political Entrepreneurs, Patterns and Processes|publisher=[[Routledge]]|year=2010|isbn=978-1-135-18201-4|pages=116–133|language=en}}</ref> The party also has a strong emphasis on [[Tamil nationalism]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/Strong-ingredients-of-Tamil-nationalism-in-VCK-manifesto/article14958584.ece|title=Strong ingredients of Tamil nationalism in VCK manifesto|newspaper=The Hindu|date=March 24, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/politics/tamil-nationalism-then-and-now/article4282662.ece|title=Tamil nationalism, then and now|website=Frontline|date=9 January 2013 }}</ref> Its chairman is [[Thol. Thirumavalavan]], a lawyer from [[Chennai]], and its general secretary is the writer [[Ravikumar (writer)|Ravikumar]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/|title=Business News Today: Read Latest Business news, India Business News Live, Share Market & Economy News|website=The Economic Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Why-caste-battle-in-Tamil-Nadu-never-ends/articleshow/48646204.cms|title=Why caste battle in Tamil Nadu never ends|website=The Times of India|date=24 August 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Naig|first=Udhav|date=2020-06-24|title=Prosecution deliberately bungled in Shankar murder case, VCK leader says|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/prosecution-deliberately-bungled-in-shankar-murder-case-vck-leader-says/article31903958.ece|access-date=2020-07-08|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

== History ==
The '''Dalit Panthers Iyyakkam''' was formed in 1982 in [[Madurai]], [[Tamil Nadu]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|last=Gorringe|first=Hugo|title=Untouchable Citizens: Dalit Movements and Democratization in Tamil Nadu|publisher=[[Sage Publishing|Sage Publications]]|year=2005|isbn=978-0-7619-3323-6|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> The group was found to seek protection of Dalits from [[Caste-related violence in India|caste-related violence]].<ref name="Decoding VCK TheQuint">{{cite news |last1=TK |first1=Smitha |title=Decoding VCK, The Face of Assertive Dalit Politics in Tamil Nadu |url=https://www.thequint.com/news/india/viduthalai-chiruthaigal-katchi-vck-thirumavalavan-contest-own-2021-assembly-election-dmk-dalits-pmk |access-date=11 January 2022 |work=The Quint |date=5 January 2021 |language=en}}</ref> Founded by a group of disaffected [[Dalits]] under the leadership of M. Malalchami,<ref name=":1" /> it emerged as a loosely organised group of local activists seeking assistance and protection through the association of a larger movement.<ref name=":0" /> The movement was inspired by the [[Dalit Panthers of India]], a social movement which itself had formed earlier in the 1970s in [[Maharashtra]] which itself was inspired by the [[Black Panther Party]], a socialist movement that sought to combat racial discrimination in the [[United States]].<ref>{{Cite journal|year=1974|title=Dalit Panthers: Another View|journal=Economic and Political Weekly|volume=9|issue=18|pages=715–716|jstor=41497050|issn=0012-9976}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Madhavan|first=Narayanan|date=2016-06-05|title=How Muhammad Ali inspired India's Dalits|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/nation/how-muhammad-ali-inspired-india-s-dalits/story-RWXBe295j9D7AFwwBKxsmI.html|website=[[Hindustan Times]]|language=en}}</ref>

In 1989, after the death of the founder of Dalit Panthers of India (DPI), Thirumavalavan became its leader. In the 1990s the party grew by highlighting [[discrimination]] and [[Caste system in India|caste]]-based [[violence]]. In 1999, VCK contested elections for the first time.<ref name="Decoding VCK TheQuint" />

VCK was allotted different election symbols in every election. In 2014, Madras HC ordered the Election Commission of India to consider VCK's request for [[star]] as their election symbol.<ref name="India TV News">{{cite news |title=Madras HC orders ECI to consider VCK's request for star symbol |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/madras-hc-orders-eci-to-consider-vck-s-request-for-star-symbol-35119.html |access-date=11 January 2022 |work=India TV News |date=4 April 2014 |language=en}}</ref>

== Party principles ==
[[File:Thol Thirumavalavan.jpg|thumb|Thol. Thirumavalavan, Leader and President of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi]]
The main aim of the party is to abolish the differences among [[Tamils|Tamil people]] and to lift up the [[Socioeconomics|socio-economically]] weaker sections of society. The party supported the freedom movement of Tamil people in [[Tamil Eelam]], as well as the security of Tamil people living abroad. The party also declared that [[Mahinda Rajapaksa]] should be charged with [[War crimes during the final stages of the Sri Lankan civil war|war crimes]] for the alleged assassination of thousands of innocent Tamil people during war against the [[Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam]]. In the [[Parliament of India]] in May 2012, Thirumavalavan joined other leaders and raised issue of the [[Ambedkar controversial cartoon|Ambedkar cartoon]], sparking a controversy in [[Parliament]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/row-over-ambedkar-nehru-cartoon-in-ncert-textbook-top-10-developments-482156|title=Row over Ambedkar-Nehru cartoon in NCERT textbook: Top 10 developments|website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/parliaments-stand-on-ambedkar-cartoon-disturbing-panikkar/article3426321.ece|title=Parliament's stand on Ambedkar cartoon disturbing: Panikkar|first=G.|last=Krishnakumar|newspaper=The Hindu|date=May 16, 2012}}</ref>

Ahead of the 2016 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Thirumavalavan stated his willingness to form a coalition with any party apart from the DMK, AIADMK, [[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]] and PMK.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.saddahaq.com/tamil-nadu-will-thirumavalavan-be-able-to-form-coalition-government-in-the-state |access-date=2015-08-24 |date=2015-05-06 |first=Akshaya |last=Nath |website=Saddahaq |title=Tamil Nadu: Will Thirumavalavan be able to form coalition government in the state?}}</ref>

== Tamil Eelam ==
VCK formed [[Tamil Eelam Supporters Organization]] (TESO) along with DMK, DK, NTK, and demonstrated protests demanding credential probe into war time crimes against the Sri Lankan government during the war between the [[Tamil Tigers]] and the Sri Lankan government.<ref>{{Cite web|title=TESO Observes Black Day to Protest Rajapaksa's Address|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2014/sep/26/teso-observes-black-day-to-protest-rajapaksas-address-665219.html|website=The New Indian Express|date=26 September 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=About listing|url=https://indianexpress.com/|website=The Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=VCK condemns MEA's letter to TESO Organizers to drop word Eelam|url=https://news.webindia123.com/news/articles/India/20120810/2041475.html|website=news.webindia123.com}}</ref> Thousands of innocent Tamil people were brutally tortured and  murdered during the war.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2013/11/04/sri_lankas_hidden_genocide.html| title = Sri Lanka's hidden genocide {{!}} The Star| website = [[Toronto Star]]| date = 4 November 2013}}</ref> Many countries raised complaints against the Sri Lankan government in the United Nations International Criminal Court of Justice. VCK demanded that former Sri Lankan President Rajapakse should be charged with war crimes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.globaltamilnews.net/GTMNEditorial/tabid/71/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/46547/language/en-US/Thol-Thirumavalavan-calls-Rajapaksa-war-criminal-.aspx|title=Error|website=globaltamilnews.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Thiruma calls Rajapaksa war criminal|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2009/oct/20/thiruma-calls-rajapaksa-war-criminal-96150.html|website=The New Indian Express|date=16 May 2012 }}</ref> Many of its party men were arrested by Tamil Nadu police for creating public discomfort during protests against the Sri Lankan government. The party is heavily criticised for supporting LTTE and its leader [[Velupillai Prabhakaran|Prabakaran]], since LTTE is banned in India.

VCK is accused of promoting [[Tamil nationalism]] and supporting the banned group [[Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/furore-in-tn-assembly-over-vck-leaders-remarks/539785|title=Furore in TN assembly over VCK leader's remarks|website=Outlook (India)}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/vck-leader-calls-for-support-to-tamil-eelam/650368|title=VCK Leader Calls for Support to Tamil Eelam|website=Outlook (India)}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/pmk-vck-want-ban-on-ltte-lifted/article6513175.ece|title=PMK, VCK want ban on LTTE lifted|newspaper=The Hindu|date=October 18, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oneindia.com/2008/01/27/lift-ban-on-ltte-vck-to-centre-1201422790.html|title=Lift ban on LTTE: VCK to Centre|date=January 27, 2008|website=Oneindia}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/article/revoke-ban-on-ltte-vck-8603.html?fbrefresh=1550059754|title=Revoke ban on LTTE - VCK|website=dailymirror.lk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/VCK-man-held-for-smuggling-boat-parts-to-LTTE-in-2007/articleshow/11761645.cms|title=VCK man held for smuggling boat parts to LTTE in 2007|website=The Times of India|date=5 February 2012 }}</ref> Although major Tamil political parties DMK and ADMK both are accused of indirectly supporting LTTE, VCK is accused of supporting LTTE leader openly in its party posters. The LTTE was involved in the [[Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi|assassination]] of former Indian prime minister [[Rajiv Gandhi]]. VCK Party has demanded the premature release of the assassination convicts along with major Tamil parties like NTK, MDMK, PMK, SMK, AIADMK and DMK. It has also celebrated the birth day of slain LTTE leader Prabakaran along with other Tamil parties.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/Tamil-Outfits-Celebrate-Slain-LTTE-Chiefs-Birthday/2015/11/27/article3148855.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151130021335/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/Tamil-Outfits-Celebrate-Slain-LTTE-Chiefs-Birthday/2015/11/27/article3148855.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 November 2015|title=Naraka, Tamil Outfits Celebrate Slain LTTE Chief's Birthday|date=November 27, 2015}}</ref>

==Controversies==
In April 2019, members of the [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh|RSS]] affiliated, [[Hindutva]] group [[Hindu Munnani]] broke an [[Earthenware|earthen pot]], the [[Electoral symbol|election symbol]] of '''VCK''' at the village of [[Ponparappi]], [[Ariyalur Assembly constituency|Ariyalur]] block, [[Tiruchirappalli|Tiruchi]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/simmering-animosity-led-to-attack-on-scs-in-ponparappi-fact-finding-team/article26943497.ece|title=Simmering animosity led to attack on SCs in Ponparappi: fact finding team|date=2019-04-25|work=The Hindu|access-date=2020-01-09|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The incident happened in front of the Panchayat Office where the Tamil Nadu general election polling was going on which lead to a quarrel. This is said to have resulted a retaliatory violence against the [[Dalit]]s. ''[[The Hindu]]'' reported a mob of '''100''' engaged in violence against the Dalits and at least 20 tiled houses which had the VCK symbol were totally damaged. A. Kathir of Evidence, a rights organisation based in [[Madurai]] claimed 13 people were admitted at hospitals, 25 houses were fully damaged and 115 houses were damaged. [[Thirumavalavan|Tirumavalavan]] after visiting the area, told the media that the [[Pattali Makkal Katchi|PMK]] and [[Hindu Munnani]] were responsible for the violence.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/incoming/article26899140.ece|title=Dalits in Tamil Nadu village attacked for voting in election|last=Rajasekaran|first=Ilangovan|website=Frontline|date=20 April 2019 |language=en|access-date=2020-01-09}}</ref>

In December 2022, VCK protested the [[saffronisation]] of Dr [[B. R. Ambedkar|B.R. Ambedkar]], the architect of the [[secular]] [[Indian Constitution]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/indu-makkal-katchi-functionary-arrested-for-putting-up-posters-of-saffron-clad-ambedkar/articleshow/96033358.cms | title=Indu Makkal Katchi functionary arrested for putting up posters of saffron-clad Ambedkar | website=[[The Times of India]] | date=6 December 2022 }}</ref>

==Electoral performance==

===Lok Sabha Elections===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
|+
!style="background-color:#1569C7;color:white"|Year
!style="background-color:#1569C7;color:white"|Seats won
!style="background-color:#1569C7;color:white"|Percentage of votes
!style="background-color:#1569C7;color:white"|Remarks
|-
|[[1999 Indian general election|1999]]
|{{Composition bar compact|0|2|{{party color|Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi}}}}
| -
|As [[Tamil Maanila Congress]] candidates
|-
|[[2004 Indian general election|2004]]
|{{Composition bar compact|0|8|{{party color|Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi}}}}
| -
|As [[Janata Dal (United)]] candidates
|-
|[[2009 Indian general election|2009]]
|{{Composition bar compact|1|2|{{party color|Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi}}}}
|0.18%
|-
|[[2014 Indian general election|2014]]
|{{Composition bar compact|0|2|{{party color|Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi}}}}
|0.11%
|-
|[[2019 Indian general election|2019]]
|{{Composition bar compact|2|2|{{party color|Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi}}}}
|0.8%
|[[Ravikumar (writer)]] contested in [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] symbol
|-
|[[2024 Indian general election|2024]]
|{{Composition bar compact|2|2|{{party color|Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi}}}}
|2.25%
|-
|}

=== Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections ===
{| class=wikitable 
! style="width:25%;" Style="background-color:#2368C7; color:white" | Election Year  
! style="width:25%;" Style="background-color:#2368C7; color:white" | Election 
! style="width:25%;" Style="background-color:#2368C7; color:white" | Votes polled
! style="width:25%;" Style="background-color:#2368C7; color:white" | Won
! style="width:25%;" Style="background-color:#2368C7; color:white" | Change of Seats
! style="width:25%;" Style="background-color:#2368C7; color:white" | Alliance
! style="width:25%;" Style="background-color:#2368C7; color:white" | Result
|-
|2006
|[[2006 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|13th Assembly]]
|426,321
|{{Composition bar|2|9|hex=#2368C7}}
|{{increase}} 2
|ADMK +
| ! style="background:#98FB98;" | Won
|-
|2011
|[[2011 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|14th Assembly]]
|555,965
|{{Composition bar|0|10|hex=#2368C7}}
|{{decrease}} 2
|DMK +
| ! style="background:#FFA07A;"| Lost
|-
|2016
|[[2016 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|15th Assembly]]
|331,849	
|{{Composition bar|0|25|hex=#2368C7}}
| No Change 
|DMDK+
| ! style="background:#FFA07A;"| Lost
|-
|2021
|[[2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|16th Assembly]] 
|457,763
|{{Composition bar|4|6|hex=#2368C7}}
|{{increase}} 4
|DMK +
| ! style="background:#98FB98;"| Won
|}

== See also ==
* [[List of political parties in India]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
*[http://wikimapia.org/10127151/Viduthalai-Chiruthaigal-Katchi-VCK-Thol-Thirumavalavan-office Location of VCK party office]
*[http://www.thiruma.in/ Official website of Thirumavalavan] {{in lang|ta}}
*News coverage: [http://www.wikinewsindia.com/english-news/thehindu-news/opinion-blogs/the-dalit-moment-of-truth/ Wikinews India], [http://www.ndtv.com/topic/vck NDTV], [http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/vck-pitches-for-a-coalition-government-in-2016/article7174954.ece ''The Hindu'']
*TASMAC Campaign [http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/protest-against-tasmac-outlet-disrupts-traffic/article4993015.ece]
*Gandhian Principles Propaganda [http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/gandhian-sasi-perumal-died-during-an-agitation-to-shift-tasmac-shop-near-marthandam/article7485847.ece]
*TASMAC bandh [https://web.archive.org/web/20160312022831/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/article425913.ece Political parties want TASMAC shop closed]
*Against Liquor [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Tamil-Nadu-bandh-Normal-life-not-affected-as-protesters-target-only-liquor-shops/articleshow/48341761.cms Tamil Nadu bandh: Normal life not affected as protesters target only liquor shops ]
*Against TASMAC [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Tamil-Nadu-bandh-Normal-life-not-affected-as-protesters-target-only-liquor-shops/articleshow/48341761.cms Tamil Nadu bandh: Normal life not affected as protesters target only liquor shops ]
*Tamil Fishermen issue [https://web.archive.org/web/20160312014947/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/article160050.ece PMK, VCK too oppose Marine Fisheries Bill][http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/vck-plea-for-release-of-fishermen/article6577776.ece][http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article132539.ece][http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/death-sentence-for-fishermen-shocking/article6550723.ece][https://web.archive.org/web/20141111074247/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/VCK-Calls-SL-Death-Sentence-Politically-Motivated-Decision/2014/11/11/article2518069.ece VCK Calls SL Death Sentence Politically Motivated Decision][https://web.archive.org/web/20160312014947/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/article160050.ece PMK, VCK too oppose Marine Fisheries Bill]
*Tamil Eelam issue [https://web.archive.org/web/20160312011326/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/article71263.ece 'Unarmed VCK men to fight for Eelam'][http://www.ibnlive.com/news/politics/vck-not-to-dilute-stand-on-tamil-eelam-364113.html Breaking News, Live Election 2022 Results: Assembly Election 2022, Dates, Photos, Polls and Results]
*People welfare Front [http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/article7841858.ece][http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/puducherry/peoples-welfare-front-promises-statehood-prohibition/article8207868.ece][http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/pwf-not-a-big-force-says-stalin/article8230827.ece][http://www.ndtv.com/topic/people-welfare-front People Welfare Front: Latest News, Photos, Videos on People Welfare Front][http://www.ndtv.com/topic/people-welfare-front People Welfare Front: Latest News, Photos, Videos on People Welfare Front]
*Tamil Eelam Supporter's organisation [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Tamil-Eelam-Supporters-Organization-observes-Black-Day-against-Rajapaksas-participation-at-UNGA-session/articleshow/43434446.cms Tamil Eelam Supporters Organization observes Black Day against Rajapaksa's participation at UNGA session ][http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Tamil-Eelam-Supporters-Organisation-(TESO) Tamil Eelam Supporters Organisation (TESO): Latest News, Videos and Photos of Tamil Eelam Supporters Organisation (TESO) | Times of India] [http://www.sangam.org/2012/08/TESO_Conference.php?uid=4825 TESO Tamil Eelam Supporters Organisation Conference Resolutions August 12 2012 Chennai Tamil Nadu Sri Lanka][http://indianexpress.com/tag/tamil-eelam-supporters-organisation/ About][http://indianexpress.com/tag/tamil-eelam-supporters/][http://www.dnaindia.com/topic/tamil-eelam-supporters-organisation Tamil Eelam Supporters Organisation][http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/rajapaksa-trying-to-erase-tamil-in-sri-lanka-karunanidhi/story-OUIiPHqTolsogEuwpMa5uM.html][https://web.archive.org/web/20160312021602/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/VCK-condemns-demolition-of-compound-wall-of-memorial/2013/11/20/article1901526.ece][https://web.archive.org/web/20160312022330/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/article1455205.ece?service=print]
*Jallikattu Issue [https://web.archive.org/web/20151122114038/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/VCK-Blames-government-on-Jallikattu/2015/01/18/article2624535.ece][http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/jallikattu-allowed-centre-makes-arrangements-for-bull-taming-in-tn/story-fBzddqoyWagokI5X7E36dK.html][http://www.oneindia.com/2008/01/12/vck-to-launch-agitation-against-ban-on-jallikattu-1200146673.html][http://guindytalk.com/news-tags/vck-thol-thirumavalavan-news]
*LTTE Ban controversies [http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/pmk-vck-want-ban-on-ltte-lifted/article6513175.ece][http://www.oneindia.com/2008/01/27/lift-ban-on-ltte-vck-to-centre-1201422790.html][https://web.archive.org/web/20151130021335/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/Tamil-Outfits-Celebrate-Slain-LTTE-Chiefs-Birthday/2015/11/27/article3148855.ece][http://asianmirror.lk/news/item/6989-pro-ltte-tamil-nadu-parties-urges-india-to-support-npc-resolution]
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{{Dravidian politics}}
{{Indian political parties}}
{{United Progressive Alliance}}

[[Category:1982 establishments in Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Dalit politics]]
[[Category:Former member parties of the United Progressive Alliance]]
[[Category:Political parties established in 1982]]
[[Category:Political parties in Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Tamil nationalism]]
[[Category:Member parties of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance]]