Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol. Thirumavalavan on Monday criticised the Congress’ “electoral strategy” and “approach”, saying it had weakened the Trinamool Congress, CPI(M), and the DMK in West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu respectively.

At a meeting of the INDIA bloc in New Delhi, Mr. Thirumavalavan said the Congress’ approach had caused dissatisfaction among several constituents of the INDIA bloc.

He urged the bloc to “adopt a clear and unequivocal position on the three-language policy being promoted by the BJP-led Union Government”. “Furthermore, I urge the Alliance to examine and deliberate upon the recommendations submitted by the Justice Kurian Joseph Commission to the Government of Tamil Nadu on Centre–State relations. Such discussions will contribute significantly to strengthening federal principles and safeguarding the rights of the States within the Indian Union,” he said. A copy of his speech was circulated in the media in Chennai.

Mr. Thirumavalavan said: “To effectively carry forward such struggles, mutual trust, understanding, and unity among opposition parties are indispensable. In particular, the Congress’ electoral strategy in Kerala, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu weakened parties that have been among the strongest pillars of this alliance. This is neither desirable nor beneficial to the larger cause of opposition unity. The Congress must therefore undertake a sincere reassessment of its approach and explore ways to further strengthen and consolidate the alliance.”

“The INDIA bloc brings together both national and regional parties. Differences of opinion are natural in such a broad coalition. However, such differences must not be allowed to escalate into divisions. The responsibility for maintaining unity rests not only with regional parties but equally with national parties. At a time when Centre–State relations are under unprecedented strain, national parties must re-evaluate their positions through the lens of federalism and cooperative governance,” he said.

Criticising the BJP’s “mishandling” of the education sector, Mr. Thirumavalavan referred to the “series of question paper leaks that had led to the cancellation and re-conduct of major examinations, exposing widespread irregularities and systemic failures”.

“The present situation has arisen in part because we, as political forces, have failed to consistently mobilise and fight for the issues confronting the youth. We should not regard Cockroach Janta Party, an organisation that raises the concerns of youths, as an adversary. Instead, the INDIA bloc must take up these issues on a broader platform, amplify the voices of the youths, and launch coordinated nationwide protests,” he added.