Chennai: The proposed protest by Dravidar Kazhagam on August 8 against the Centre’s new education policy has become a keenly watched political event, as Viduthalai Chiruthigal Katchi, a constituent of the PWA, shares the dais with DMK after two years.
As the event comes a month after the VCK has vowed to form a broad-based secular alliance for Parliament elections, it is seen as an opportunity for VCK to build bridges with DMK.
However, leaders of both parties are cautious about chances of a political realignment, while analysts feel it would be too early to predict the course of alliances.
VCK deputy general secretary Vanniarasu, who responded cautiously, said, “The VCK is attending the protest, since it wants all the parties to come together against the new education policy. The DK has invited all the parties including the Left and we have chosen to attend it to strengthen the voices against the dangerous policies of the centre”.
DMK too ruled out any political significance to sharing dais with the VCK.
A party functionary said, “We are attending the agitation since our party is opposed to the new education policy. It is a function organised by DK and our leader has always stood by Periyar’s ideals”.
Another party functionary cited VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan’s recent comments in an interview hailing DMK chief M. Karunanidhi, while criticising party treasurer M.K. Stalin and said, “Our treasurer is following in the foot steps of our leader. He cannot be differentiated from the party leader. All decisions on electoral alliances will be jointly taken by them. The party has become strong in the Vanniyar belt and Stalin is taking steps to strengthen DMK in the communally sensitive Kongu belt. We will be careful not to polarise votes on caste lines in future polls”.
