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With just two MLAs the VCK is reshaping Tamil Nadu government formation
Politics
Published on 9 May 2026
Its tiny numbers mask big leverage over power
The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) has only two MLAs in Tamil Nadu, yet it has outsized influence in government formation. Led by Thol Thirumavalavan, the state’s largest Dalit party draws inspiration from the Black Panther movement and fuses Ambedkar, Periyar and Marxist ideas, positioning itself against “Sanatan forces” while negotiating political sway.
- VCK has two MLAs but significant say in forming governments
- Thol Thirumavalavan leads a party with expanding bargaining power
- Ideology blends Ambedkar, Periyar and Marxist influences
- The party rallies around opposition to “Sanatan forces”
Read the full story at The Economic Times
This summarization was done by Beige for a story published on 
The Economic Times