CHENNAI, June 22 (IANS) — Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol. Thirumavalavan has urged the Tamil Nadu government to convene an all-party meeting regarding the Mekedatu dam issue in Karnataka.
In a statement released on June 22, Thirumavalavan said the VCK was formally requesting the State government to bring together all political parties to discuss the implications of the proposed dam project. He noted that the Congress party, while in power in Karnataka, had shown an understanding of Tamil Nadu's concerns.
Thirumavalavan stated that Congress leaders in Tamil Nadu continued to cooperate with the State government on issues affecting the State's interests.
The VCK leader expressed concern over the continuing impact of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). He cited deaths of several students, including a student from Salem, as deeply disturbing. These incidents were allegedly linked to examination-related stress according to Thirumavalavan's statement.
Thirumavalavan urged the Tamil Nadu government to hold detailed consultations on the NEET issue and explore all possible legal avenues to challenge the examination system. He said the government should engage legal experts and political leaders to take appropriate steps through constitutional and legal means.
Turning to other issues, Thirumavalavan recalled that he had previously stated that the responsibility of protecting the AIADMK rested with its General Secretary, K. Palaniswami. He noted that his remarks on this matter attracted criticism from AIADMK members at the time.
Thirumavalavan said recent developments regarding the party have raised serious concerns about its future. He described the present condition of the AIADMK as worrying and stated that senior leadership should seriously reflect on the challenges it faces.
The VCK leader also highlighted the continuing prevalence of honour killings and violence against women, describing them as long-standing social issues in Tamil Nadu.
Thirumavalavan alleged that even when crimes such as honour killings are registered, adequate action is often not taken. He characterized these events as persistent problems requiring attention from authorities.