Chennai

Thol Thirumavalavan on Wednesday said the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi would take a decision on joining the newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam-led government only after holding consultations within the party leadership.

Speaking to reporters in Chennai after paying tributes to Dravidian reformer Pandithar Ayotheethassar on his birth anniversary, Thirumavalavan said the invitation from the ruling alliance would be discussed with senior leaders before a final decision is made.

He said TVK founder and Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay had earlier proposed that both the VCK and the Indian Union Muslim League become part of the cabinet, a suggestion later reiterated by TVK leader Adhav Arjuna.

“We respect and thank them for this invitation. However, a decision on joining the ministry will be made only after consulting our frontline leaders, including the two general secretaries and principal secretary,” Thirumavalavan said.

The VCK chief recalled that the party had earlier decided to extend unconditional support to the TVK government without demanding ministerial positions.

“While many committee members had expressed the view that the party should join the cabinet, the final decision was left to the leadership. After discussions with the general secretaries on May 9, we decided to support the TVK government formation without any conditions or demand for cabinet berths in exchange for our two seats,” he said.

Referring to recent political developments in the state, Thirumavalavan said Vijay had earlier hinted at closer ties with the VCK during a book launch event related to B R Ambedkar.

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He also noted that after the swearing-in ceremony, Vijay personally visited him at the VCK office in Velachery and reiterated his wish for the party to join the government.