Chennai: Before Thol. Thirumavalavan became a prominent figure in Tamil Nadu’s Dalit rights movement and a recognised political leader, he worked as a scientific officer in the Tamil Nadu Forensic Sciences Department. His name first entered the public spotlight in the early 1990s when it was found on a slip of paper belonging to a political activist who was killed in a police encounter for allegedly plotting to assassinate a caste Hindu leader.
Thirumavalavan was arrested on suspicion of links to Maoist activities and briefly detained, sparking public protests. “It was during this period that newspaper headlines asked, ‘Who is this Thirumavalavan?’” recalls Vanni Arasu, deputy general secretary of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK). The episode introduced him to the wider public and marked the beginning of his transition into activism. In the years that followed, Thirumavalavan would play a significant role in Dalit mobilisation and eventually establish the VCK, a party that has since become a fixture in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.
On March 16 this year, the VCK held a meeting at Villupuram to commemorate the Election Commission’s official recognition of it as a state party, securing permanent rights to its ‘pot’ symbol. The recognition marks a historic moment for a party that has, over decades, built its influence through grassroots mobilisation and a sustained electoral presence, challenging long-standing power structures in the state.
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“This is the first time in the 72-year history of Tamil Nadu’s electoral politics that a political party founded by a Dalit leader has been recognised as a state party,” said VCK MP D. Ravikumar. “This is not a mere achievement, but a monumental chapter in history, born from 25 years of tireless struggle and sacrifice by Thol. Thirumavalavan and the people who stood by him.”
The recognition follows the 2024 general elections, where the VCK won two key seats – Chidambaram and Villupuram – contesting independently under its “Pot” symbol. “After 25 years of continuous struggle, the VCK has finally won two seats in the 2024 parliamentary elections and received official recognition from the Election Commission of India,” Ravikumar noted. “This achievement is not just due to the strength of the DMK-led alliance, but because Tamil society has now embraced Thirumavalavan as a leader of the people.”
The event at Villupuram culminated in the release of a crucial new book Saathiyaal Sithantha Sananaayagam: 1999 muthal therthal Chidambaram thoguthiyil Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchiyin Anupavangal (Democracy Shattered by Caste: VCK’s Experiences in Chidambaram in its first election in 1999).
Thol. Thirumavalavan and other Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leaders during the book release event in Villupuram. Photo: By arrangement
The meticulously curated work by Ravikumar provides a comprehensive background to the 1999 elections, detailing the historically severe violence and systemic oppression endured by Dalits in the Chidambaram constituency. It illustrates how Dalit labourers were denied work, their children barred from schools, restricted from public roads, and prevented from purchasing essential goods – signalling a widespread social boycott and marginalisation. This backdrop of targeted violence and voter suppression created a deeply hostile and unjust electoral environment for Dalits, shaping the context of the 1999 elections.
“That violence is a reminder of how casteist forces have tried to suppress democratic rights, but it also demonstrates the resilience of the people and the movement,” says Ravikumar.
In 2009, the VCK secured its first parliamentary seat in Chidambaram under the “Star” symbol. Yet, even this significant achievement did not bring official state party recognition. It wasn’t until the 2024 elections, with wins in Chidambaram and Villupuram under its independent “Pot” symbol, that the party fulfilled the conditions under Rule 6A of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.
“This is about more than just elections,” Ravikumar says. “It’s about our long fight against a caste system that has tried to exclude us from the very idea of democracy.”
“Despite constitutional guarantees and the protection of voting rights secured by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, casteist and communal forces continue to threaten the democratic process. The violence in Chidambaram is a stark testament to this reality,” Ravikumar remarked.
According to the book, elections in Chidambaram have consistently been marred by violence, booth capturing, and voter intimidation aimed at suppressing Dalit participation. It notes that caste Hindu-dominated political forces have often colluded to maintain their stranglehold over the constituency. This collusion has involved preventing Dalit candidates from campaigning freely, obstructing Dalit voters from reaching polling booths, and unleashing violence on polling day. In the 1999 elections, when Thirumavalavan contested in Chidambaram for the first time, Dalit voters faced systematic disenfranchisement.
Ravikumar added, “India calls itself a representative democracy, with elections forming the bedrock of its political system. Yet, the struggle to uphold free and fair elections – especially for marginalised communities – remains ongoing.”
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The book also documents the personal and collective cost of the VCK’s struggle. It details how VCK cadres and sympathisers have faced police cases, harassment, and in some instances, custodial violence.
One section of the book specifically narrates how VCK volunteers were attacked while escorting voters to booths. In another chilling instance, homes of VCK supporters were reportedly set ablaze in retaliation for their political defiance.
The book also draws attention to how the absence of a consistent symbol made it harder for voters to rally behind the VCK’s electoral campaigns. “The Election Commission has officially recognised the VCK as a state party. The ‘Pot’ symbol has now become our permanent electoral symbol. This is a significant milestone in our long journey,” Ravikumar emphasised.
The permanent allotment of the “Pot” symbol is thus charged with deep meaning. It marks a decisive break from the instability of previous years and offers the VCK a stable political identity that resonates with its grassroots supporters. For loyal voters of the VCK, the “Pot” is not just an emblem on a ballot – it is the embodiment of their struggle, resilience, and political awakening.
“Winning a few seats in elections is less challenging than winning the trust and minds of non-Dalit communities. Thirumavalavan has now succeeded in this greater challenge and has been recognised as a leader for all of Tamil society. In the very Chidambaram constituency where Thirumavalavan was defeated in 1999, he has now been elected to parliament for the third time. This is not just a personal victory, but a historic moment for Tamil Nadu,” Ravikumar added.
The VCK leader also stressed the emotional weight of this moment: “Thirumavalavan has dedicated this victory to the lakhs of Dalit people who, 25 years ago in Chidambaram, stood with him despite losing their homes, properties, and facing brutal violence. Yet, they never wavered in their belief that ‘Thirumavalavan is our leader.’ This is a deeply meaningful and fitting dedication.”
“This book documents not just an election or a victory, but the many obstacles the VCK and Dalit communities overcame to safeguard electoral democracy,” Ravikumar explained. “The testimonies, documents, and petitions gathered for this book reveal an urgent truth: we must remain vigilant in protecting the democratic rights of all citizens.”
The release of Democracy Shattered by Caste serves as a searing reminder of the obstacles yet to be overcome and a manifesto for a more inclusive democracy.
For now, the VCK stands poised at the cusp of transformation – not just of its own fortunes, but of Tamil Nadu’s political landscape itself.
Kavitha Muralidharan is an independent journalist.
