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{{short description|Indian politician}}
{{short description|Indian politician (born 1962)}}
{{about|the contemporary politician|the legendary Chola king|Karikala Chola}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2023}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2014}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
| image              = Thol Thirumavalavan.jpg
| image              = Dr Thiruma Phd.png
| caption            = Photo for Lok Sabha in 2019
| caption            =  
| birth_date          = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1962|08|17}}
| birth_date          = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1962|08|17}}
| birth_place        = [[Anganur]], [[Madras State]], India<br><small>(now in [[Ariyalur district]], [[Tamil Nadu]])</small>
| birth_place        = [[Anganur]], [[Tiruchirappalli district]], [[Madras State]]<br>(now in [[Ariyalur district]], Tamil Nadu), India
| residence          = [[Anganur]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India<ref>{{Cite web|title=Members : Lok Sabha|url=http://loksabhaph.nic.in/Members/MemberBioprofile.aspx?mpsno=4549|access-date=2021-03-29|website=loksabhaph.nic.in}}</ref>
| residence          = [[Anganur]], Tamil Nadu, India<ref>{{Cite web|title=Members : Lok Sabha|url=http://loksabhaph.nic.in/Members/MemberBioprofile.aspx?mpsno=4549|access-date=29 March 2021|website=loksabhaph.nic.in}}</ref>
| office              = [[Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha]]
| office              = [[Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha]]
| term_start          = 30 May 2019
| term_start          = 23 May 2019
| term_end            =  
| term_end            =  
| constituency        = [[Chidambaram (Lok Sabha constituency)|Chidambaram]]
| constituency        = [[Chidambaram (Lok Sabha constituency)|Chidambaram]]
| predecessor        = [[M. Chandrakasi]]
| predecessor        = [[M. Chandrakasi]]
| term_start1        = 31 July 2009
| term_start1        = 16 May 2009
| term_end1          = 17 May 2014
| term_end1          = 16 May 2014
| predecessor1        = [[E. Ponnuswamy]]
| predecessor1        = [[E. Ponnuswamy]]
| successor1          = [[M. Chandrakasi]]
| successor1          = M. Chandrakasi
| constituency1      = [[Chidambaram (Lok Sabha constituency)|Chidambaram]]
| constituency1      = [[Chidambaram (Lok Sabha constituency)|Chidambaram]]
| office2            = Member of [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]]
| office2            = Member of [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]]
| term_start2        = 14 May 2001
| term_start2        = 14 May 2001
| term_end2          = 12 May 2006
| term_end2          = 3 February 2004
| constituency2      = [[Mangalore (state assembly constituency)|Mangalur]]
| constituency2      = [[Mangalore, Tamil Nadu Assembly constituency|Mangalore]]
| 1blankname2        = Chief Minister
| 1blankname2        = Chief Minister
| 1namedata2          = [[J. Jayalalithaa]]
| 1namedata2          = [[J. Jayalalithaa]]
| predecessor2        = S. Puratchimani
| predecessor2        = [[S. Puratchimani]]
| successor2          = K. Selvam
| successor2          = [[C. V. Ganesan]]
| party              = [[Dalit Panthers]] (till 1982) <br>[[Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi]]      (1982 - Present)
| office3            = President of<br/>[[Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi]]
| term_start3        = 21 January 1990
| term_end6          =
| predecessor3        = ''position established''
| otherparty          = [[Dalit Panthers]] (till 1982)
| party              = Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (1982–present)
| spouses            =  
| spouses            =  
| children            =  
| children            =  
Line 33: Line 37:
| date                =  
| date                =  
| source              =  
| source              =  
| parents            = Tholkappiyan (father)
| alma_mater          = [[Presidency College, Chennai]]
Periyammal (mother)
| alma_mater          = [[Presidency college, Chennai]]
}}
}}
'''Tholkappiyan Thirumavalavan''' (born 17 August 1962), better known as '''Thol. Thirumavalavan''' is a political leader, scholar and activist from the southern Indian state of [[Tamil Nadu]]. He is a Member of Parliament from [[Chidambaram (Lok Sabha constituency)|Chidambaram]]. Founder and President of [[Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2016-04-29/news/72704342_1_anti-conversion-law-dalit-tamil-nadu-bjp|title=Conversion weakens our nos., says TN's dalit face Thol Thirumavalavan}}</ref><ref>https://www.m.thewire.in/article/politics/tamil-nadu-thirumavalavan-shows-way-dravidian-parties-bjp-bay/</ref> He rose to prominence in the 1990s as a Dalit leader, and formally entered politics in 1999. His [[political platform]] centres on ending caste discrimination and consequently the caste system. He has also expressed support for [[Tamil nationalist]] movements in [[Sri Lanka]].
'''Tholkappiyan Thirumavalavan''' (born '''Ramasamy Thirumavalavan''' on 17 August 1962), better known as '''Thol. Thirumavalavan''', is an Indian politician and activist from [[Tamil Nadu]]. He is a [[Member of Parliament (India)|member of parliament]] in the [[Lok Sabha]] representing [[Chidambaram (Lok Sabha constituency)|Chidambaram]]. He is the leader and president of the political party [[Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi]] since 1990.


He did his Bachelor's course in chemistry at [[Presidency College, Chennai|Presidency college Chennai]], Master's degree in [[Criminology]] and pursued law at [[Madras Law College]]. He completed his Ph.D. at [[Manonmaniam Sundaranar University|Manonmanium Sundaranar University]] and was awarded his doctorate in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vikatan.com/news/tamilnadu/134987-thirumavalavan-completed-his-phd.html|title=Thol.Thirumavalan was awarded Doctorate degree by Manonmanium Sundaranar University}}</ref> He worked in the government's Forensic Department as a scientific assistant, from which he later resigned in 1999 to contest polls. He contested the 1999 and 2004 general elections unsuccessfully and won the 2009 general elections from the Chidambaram constituency. He won the 2001 state assembly elections in alliance with [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (DMK), a post from which he resigned in 2004 quoting ideological differences with DMK. He is an author, and has also acted in Tamil cinema.
Thirumavalavan studied [[criminology]] and law, and worked for a time in the forensic department of the [[Government of Tamil Nadu]]. He rose to prominence in the 1990s as a [[bahujan]] leader, and his [[political platform]] centres on  [[Ambedkar|Ambedkarite]] and [[Dravidian movement|Dravidian]] philosophies, and ending [[Casteism|caste-based discrimination]] and [[Caste system in India|caste system]]. He is also a critic of [[Hindu nationalism]], which he believes would homogenise Tamil society and lead to [[Tamils]] losing their identity. He has also expressed support for [[Sri Lankan Tamil nationalism|Tamil nationalist]] movements in Sri Lanka, including the [[Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam]], a militant secessionist group banned in India. He has authored a few books, and also acted in few [[Tamil cinema|Tamil films]].


His confrontation with [[Pattali Makkal Katchi]] and its leader [[Ramadoss]] has resulted in frequent clashes between [[Dalits]] and the [[Vanniyar]]s. Both parties have accused each other of instigating violence against the other community. Both Thirumavalavan and Ramadoss reconciled their differences and worked together during the period of 2004 to 2009, when they were part of the same electoral alliance.
Thirumavalavan contested the [[1999 Indian general election|1999]] and [[2004 Indian general election]]s unsuccessfully from the Chidambaram constituency. In between, he was elected as the [[Member of Legislative Assembly|member]] of the [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]] in the [[2001 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2001 assembly elections]] from [[Mangalore, Tamil Nadu Assembly constituency|Mangalore]]. Subsequently, he has won the [[2009 Indian general election|2009]], [[2019 Indian general election|2019]], and [[2024 Indian general election]]s from Chidambaram, while losing in [[2014 Indian general election|2014]]. He also contested in the [[2016 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2016 assembly elections]] from [[Kattumannarkoil Assembly constituency|Kattumannarkoil]] and lost.


In 2019 Thirumavalavan regained his Chidambaram seat and has been a vocal Opposition MP. In 2021, he led his party to win 4 seats in the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly.
Thirumavalavan's confrontation with [[Pattali Makkal Katchi]] and its founder [[Ramadoss]] has resulted in frequent clashes between [[Dalits]] and the [[Vanniyar]]s. While both of them reconciled their differences and worked together for a period in 2004 to 2009, when they were part of the same electoral alliance, both parties have often accused each other of instigating violence against the other community.
 
== Early life and education ==
Thirumavalavan received his [[Bachelor's degree]] in [[Chemistry]] at [[Presidency College, Chennai|Presidency college Chennai]], and [[Master's degree|Master]]'s degree in [[Criminology]]. He later pursued Law at [[Madras Law College]].{{cn|date=February 2026}} He was awarded his [[PhD]] by the [[Manonmaniam Sundaranar University]] in 2018, based on his thesis "[[1981 Meenakshipuram conversion|Religious conversion]] of [[Meenakshipuram, Nagercoil|Meenakshipuram]] Dalits – a victimological study".<ref>{{cite news |title=Thol.Thirumavalan was awarded Doctorate degree by Manonmanium Sundaranar University |date=24 August 2018 |url=https://www.vikatan.com/news/tamilnadu/134987-thirumavalavan-completed-his-phd.html |work=[[Vikatan]] |access-date=1 June 2020}}</ref>


==Early activism==
==Early activism==
In 1988, when working for the government's Forensic Department in the southern city of [[Madurai]], he met Malaichamy, the Tamil Nadu state convenor of the [[Dalit Panthers Iyyakkam]] (DPI), an organisation that fought for the rights of Dalits. The next year, following Malaichamy's death, Thirumalavan was elected the leader of the DPI. He designed a new flag for the organisation in 1990, as well as changing its name to Viduthalai Chiruthaigal (liberation panthers). As part of his work, he also began visiting Dalit villages in the [[Madurai district|Madurai region]], and began learning about the problems faced by Dalits. The killing of two Dalits in 1992, he says, made him more militant.<ref name="express-bio">{{Cite news | last=Mathai | first=Kamini | title=Poster boy | newspaper=The New Indian Express | location=Chennai | date=3 February 2008 | url=http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?title=Poster%20Boy&artid=vbUhRA%7CyGDhT%7CCert0kX9rqjk1XLSzt2&type=Archive | access-date= 30 January 2009}}</ref> He was particularly noted for his aggressive speeches which gained him significant recognition.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Gorringe|first=Hugo|url=https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/005096627|title=Untouchable citizens: Dalit movements and democratisation in Tamil Nadu|date=2005|publisher=Sage Publications|isbn=978-81-7829-448-3|series=Dalit movements and democratisation in Tamil Nadu|location=New Delhi; Thousand Oaks, Calif.}}</ref> Against the background of increasing Dalit assertiveness, he emerged as one of two major Dalit leaders in Tamil Nadu, with a large base of grassroots support, particularly in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu.<ref name="talisman-review">{{Cite news | last=Viswanathan | first=S. | title  =Voice of the oppressed | newspaper=The Hindu | date=1 June 2004 | url=http://www.hindu.com/br/2004/06/01/stories/2004060100471400.htm | access-date= 30 January 2009 | location=Chennai, India}}</ref> During early 1997, he was suspended from his government job on account of his increased political activity. He resigned from his job formally in August 1999 to contest the 1999 Indian general elections.<ref>[[#Wyatt|Wyatt 2009]], p. 129</ref>
When he was studying at Madras Law College, Thirumavalavan got interested in the [[Sri Lankan Tamil nationalism|Sri Lankan Tamil nationalist movement]], afte hearing to a speech of [[Suba Veerapandian]], whom he met later.{{cn|date=February 2026}}
 
In 1988, when working for the government's [[Forensic science|Forensic]] Department in the southern city of [[Madurai]], he met Malaichamy, the Tamil Nadu state convenor of the [[Dalit Panthers Iyyakkam]] (DPI), an organisation that fought for the rights of [[Dalit]]s.{{cn|date=February 2026}} Following Malaichamy's death, Thirumalavan was elected as the leader of the DPI on 21 January 1990.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2016-04-29/news/72704342_1_anti-conversion-law-dalit-tamil-nadu-bjp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505164134/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2016-04-29/news/72704342_1_anti-conversion-law-dalit-tamil-nadu-bjp|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 May 2016|title=Conversion weakens our nos., says TN's dalit face Thol Thirumavalavan|date=29 April 2016|access-date=1 June 2016|work=[[The Economic Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.m.thewire.in/article/politics/tamil-nadu-thirumavalavan-shows-way-dravidian-parties-bjp-bay/ |title=Thol Thirumavalavan has a Way for Dravidian Parties to Keep BJP at Bay |access-date=28 December 2020 |archive-date=31 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201231140606/https://m.thewire.in/article/politics/tamil-nadu-thirumavalavan-shows-way-dravidian-parties-bjp-bay |url-status=dead |work=[[The Wire (India)|The Wire]] }}</ref> He designed a new flag for the party and changed its name to [[Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi]] (Liberation Panthers Party). As part of his work, he began visiting Dalit villages in the Madurai region, and began learning about the problems faced by Dalits. According to him, the killing of two Dalits in the region in 1992, made him take up the fight for their cause.<ref name="express-bio">{{Cite news | last=Mathai | first=Kamini | title=Poster boy | work=[[The New Indian Express]] | date=3 February 2008 | url=http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?title=Poster%20Boy&artid=vbUhRA%7CyGDhT%7CCert0kX9rqjk1XLSzt2&type=Archive | access-date= 30 January 2009}}</ref> His aggressive speeches gained him significant recognition.<ref>{{cite book|last=Gorringe|first=Hugo|url=https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/005096627|title=Untouchable citizens: Dalit movements and democratisation in Tamil Nadu|date=2005|publisher=Sage Publications|isbn=978-81-7829-448-3|location=New Delhi; Thousand Oaks, California}}</ref> Against the background of increasing Dalit participation in politics, he emerged as one of major Dalit leaders in Tamil Nadu, with a significant support base particularly in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu.<ref name="talisman-review">{{Cite news | last=Viswanathan | first=S. | title  =Voice of the oppressed | work=[[The Hindu]] | date=1 June 2004 | url=http://www.hindu.com/br/2004/06/01/stories/2004060100471400.htm | access-date= 30 January 2009 }}</ref> In early 1997, he was suspended from his government job on account of his increased political activity. He resigned from his job formally in August 1999.<ref>[[#Wyatt|Wyatt 2009]], p. 129</ref>


==Political career==
==Political career==
The DPI did not participate in the electoral process until the  to contest the [[1999 Indian general election]]. The decision of contesting the election in 1999 was considered controversial within the party.<ref name="Wyatt 118"/> Thirumavalavan allied with [[G. K. Moopanar]]'s [[Tamil Maanila Congress]] as a part of an alternative front to the ones led by [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (DMK) and [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (AIADMK), the two prominent parties in Tamil Nadu. The party contested in the [[Chidambaram (Lok Sabha constituency)|Chidambaram]] and [[Perambalur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Perambalur]] parliamentary constituencies. Thirumavalavan lost from Chidambaram to [[E. Ponnuswamy]] from the [[Pattali Makkal Katchi]] (PMK). He later alleged in one of his interviews on 22 February 2000 that the ruling DMK administration used the police force to detain the cadres of his party.<ref name="Wyatt 118">[[#Wyatt|Wyatt 2009]], pp. 118–119</ref> It also led to the continued rivalry between his party and the PMK, which represented Dalits and [[Vanniyar]]s respectively, and was marked by violence from both the parties.<ref name="Wyatt 118"/>


The DPI boycotted elections until [[1999 Indian general election in Tamil Nadu|1999 general elections]]. It is unclear why the party did not contest elections till 1999. The decision of contesting the election in 1999 was considered controversial within the party.<ref name="Wyatt 118"/> Thirumavalavan allied with G. K. Moopanar's [[Tamil Maanila Congress]] and represented the Third Front. The party contested in the Parliamentary constituencies of [[Chidambaram (Lok Sabha constituency)|Chidambaram]] and [[Perambalur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Perambalur]]. Thirumavalavan contested in [[Chidambaram (Lok Sabha constituency)|Chidambaram]], and managed to poll 225,000 votes in his debut elections. Thirumavalavan alleged in one of his interviews on 22 February 2000 that the opposing DMK administration used National Goonda Act and National Security Act to detain cadres of his party.<ref name="Wyatt 118">[[#Wyatt|Wyatt 2009]], pp. 118–119</ref> The phase also culminated the rivalry between Thirumavalavan's party and his competitors in the Chidambaram Constituency, the [[Pattali Makkal Katchi]] (PMK). PMK is a [[Vanniyar]] caste party that has a strong presence in the northern districts of Tamil Nadu. The election in the constituency was marked by violence from both the parties. Houses of Dalits were burnt and Dalits in the region were denied employment, while Vanniyar houses were also burnt.<ref name="Wyatt 118"/>
In the [[2001 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2001 Tamil Nadu assembly elections]], the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) allied with the DMK and contested in seven seats. Since the PMK joined the AIADMK-led alliance, the VCK chose to join the opposite alliance. Though the DMK-led alliance also had the [[Bharathiya Janata Party]] (BJP), with which VCK had ideological differences and was criticised earlier by Thirumavalavan, he still joined the alliance. He was elected from [[Mangalore, Tamil Nadu Assembly constituency|Mangalore]] constituency to the [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly|legislative assembly]], contesting on the symbol of the DMK.<ref name="Wyatt 120">[[#Wyatt|Wyatt 2009]], p. 120</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/archive/Resumes/12assly/12_01.pdf |title=Assembly Elections – 2001|publisher=Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly|page=23|access-date=30 November 2013|year=2001}}</ref> He resigned his position from the assembly on 3 February 2004, citing difference with the alliance partners, especially the DMK.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tirumavalavan quits Assembly membership|url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/02/04/stories/2004020404770400.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040324075359/http://www.hindu.com/2004/02/04/stories/2004020404770400.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 March 2004|date=4 February 2004|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=30 November 2013}}</ref><ref>[[#Bhūẏām̐|Bhūẏām̐ 2007]], pp. 60–61</ref> He contested once again from Chidambaram in the [[Indian general election in Tamil Nadu, 2004|2004 general elections]], in alliance with the [[Janata Dal (United)]], and lost to Ponnuswamy of the PMK again.<ref name="Wyatt 118"/>


In [[2001 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2001 state elections]] Viduthalai Chiruthaigal allied with the [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] and contested seven seats. Since the PMK joined the AIADMK alliance, the VCK had to join the DMK led alliance. There were ideological differences in the alliance as it had [[Bharathiya Janata Party|BJP]], which was earlier criticised by Thirumavalavan. Thirumavalavan was elected from Mangalore Constituency to State Legislative Assembly.<ref name="Wyatt 120">[[#Wyatt|Wyatt 2009]], p. 120</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/archive/Resumes/12assly/12_01.pdf |title=Assembly Elections – 2001|publisher=Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly|page=23|access-date=30 November 2013|year=2001}}</ref> During the 2004 general elections, he resigned his MLA post on 3 February 2004 quoting humiliation meted out by the alliance partners, especially the DMK. He also quoted that he quit as he contested in the symbol of DMK during the 2001 assembly elections.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tirumavalavan quits Assembly membership|url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/02/04/stories/2004020404770400.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040324075359/http://www.hindu.com/2004/02/04/stories/2004020404770400.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 March 2004|date=4 February 2004|location=Chennai|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=30 November 2013}}</ref><ref>[[#Bhūẏām̐|Bhūẏām̐ 2007]], pp. 60–61</ref> Thirumavalavan contested once again from [[Chidambaram (Lok Sabha constituency)|Chidambaram]] in [[Indian general election in Tamil Nadu, 2004|2004 general elections]], this time with [[Janata Dal (United)]] and polled 257,000 votes and lost by a low margin.<ref name="Wyatt 118"/>
In 2004, Thirumavalavan briefly joined hands with [[Ramadoss]], the founder of PMK, in a [[Tamil language]] protection movement named "Tamil Paathukappu Iyakkam".<ref name="Wyatt 122">[[#Wyatt|Wyatt 2009]], pp. 122–123</ref> VCK later joined the [[AIADMK alliance]] for the [[2006 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2006 assembly elections]], and was recognised as a registered political party by the [[Election Commission of India]] on 2 March 2006.<ref name="Wyatt116">[[#Wyatt|Wyatt 2009]], p. 116</ref> VCK contested in nine seats in Tamil Nadu and two seats in [[Pondicherry (union territory)|Pondicherry]], and won two seats.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://assembly.tn.gov.in/election2006/pollupd/ac/candlwc/s22/s22vckalw.htm#s22 |title=State Elections 2006 Winners Details for Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi in Tamil Nadu|publisher=Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly|year=2006|access-date=30 November 2013}}</ref> The party broke the alliance with AIADMK in 2006, and allied with the DMK for the local elections, and won five municipalities. In the [[2009 Indian general election|2009 general election]], Thirumavalavan allied with DMK and was elected to [[Lok Sabha]] in his third attempt from the Chidhambaram constituency.<ref name="Wyatt 122"/> On 31 August 2009, he was appointed to the committee on commerce and consultative committee on ministry of social justice and empowerment.<ref>{{cite web|title=Thirumavalavan, biography|url=http://164.100.47.132/Lssnew/Members/Biography.aspx?mpsno=4549|publisher=National Informatics Centre|work=Parliament of India|access-date=30 November 2013}}</ref>


During 2004, after efforts from N. Sethuraman from MMK, Thirumavalavan and Ramadoss, the leader of PMK joined hands through a Tamil protection movement named Tamil Paathukappu Iyakkam.<ref name="Wyatt 122">[[#Wyatt|Wyatt 2009]], pp. 122–123</ref>
Subsequently, he has won the [[2019 Indian general election|2019]], and [[2024 Indian general election]]s from Chidambaram, while losing in [[2014 Indian general election|2014]]. He also contested in the [[2016 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2016 assembly elections]] from [[Kattumannarkoil Assembly constituency|Kattumannarkoil]] and lost.{{cn|date=February 2026}}
He joined the [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (AIADMK) alliance in the [[2006 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2006 elections]] to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. His party was recognised by the [[Election Commission of India]] as a registered political party on 2 March 2006.<ref name="Wyatt116">[[#Wyatt|Wyatt 2009]], p. 116</ref> Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi contested in nine seats in Tamil Nadu and 2 seats in Pondicherry. The party won two of them, namely Durai Ravikumar from Kattumannarkoil, and Selvaperunthagai from Mangalore constituency.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://assembly.tn.gov.in/election2006/pollupd/ac/candlwc/s22/s22vckalw.htm#s22 |title=State Elections 2006 Winners Details for Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi in Tamil Nadu|publisher=Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly|year=2006|access-date=30 November 2013}}</ref> The alliance with ADMK broke in 2006, when he started allying with the DMK. His party contested in the local bodies elections in DMK alliance in 2006 and won five chairman to various municipalities. In the [[2009 Indian general election|2009 general election]], Thirumavalavan allied with DMK and was elected to [[Parliament of India|Parliament]] from the Chidhambaram Lok Sabha constituency in his third attempt.<ref name="Wyatt 122"/>


===Elections contested and positions held===
== Positions held ==
{|class="sortable wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Year
!Position
!Institution
|-
|2001–2004
|Member
|[[2001 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]]<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Member Detail -Lok Sabha |url=https://sansad.in/ls/members |website=Lok Sabha}}</ref>
|-
|2009
|Member
|[[15th Lok Sabha]]<ref name=":0" />
|-
|-
!width=150|Elections
|2019
!width=100|Constituency
|Member
!width=70|Party
|[[17th Lok Sabha]]<ref name=":0" />
!width=70|Result
|-
!width=70|Vote percentage
|2024
!width=100|Opposition Candidate
|Member
!width=70|Opposition Party
|[[18th Lok Sabha]]<ref name=":0" />
!width=70|Opposition vote percentage
|- style="background:#cfc;"
|bgcolor=FFA07A|[[1999 Indian general election]]||[[Chidambaram (Lok Sabha constituency)|Chidambaram]] ||[[Tamil Maanila Congress|TMC (M)]]||Lost|| 31.17||E. Ponnuswamy||[[Pattali Makkal Katchi|PMK]]||47.68<ref name="LS1999">{{cite web|title=Statistical report on General elections, 1999 to the 13th Lok Sabha|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/LS_1999/Vol_I_LS_99.pdf|year=2004|page=225|publisher=Election Commission of India|access-date=10 November 2013}}</ref>
|- style="background:#ffc;"
|bgcolor=98FB98|[[2001 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2001 Tamil Nadu state assembly election]]||[[Mangalore (State Assembly Constituency)|Mangalore]]||[[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|DMK]] ||Won|| 43.71||S. Puratchimani||[[Tamil Maanila Congress|TMC]]||46.49<ref name="Mangalore">{{cite web|title=Party wise comparison since 1977 in Mangalore constituency|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/electionanalysis/AE/S22/partycomp70.htm|publisher=Election Commission of India|access-date=10 November 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Statistical report on Tamil Nadu Assembly election 2001|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/statisticalreports/SE_2001/Stat_Rep_TN_2001.pdf|year=2001|page=90|publisher=Election Commission of India|access-date=10 November 2013}}</ref>
|- style="background:#cfc;"
|bgcolor=FFA07A|[[2004 Indian general election]]||[[Chidambaram (Lok Sabha constituency)|Chidambaram]] ||[[Janata Dal (United)|JD (U)]]||Lost|| 46.20||E. Ponnuswamy||[[Pattali Makkal Katchi|PMK]]||58.45<ref name="LS2004">{{cite web|title=Statistical report on General elections, 2004 to the 14th Lok Sabha|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/LS_2004/Vol_II_LS_2004.pdf|year=2004|page=355|publisher=Election Commission of India|access-date=10 November 2013}}</ref>
|- style="background:#ffc;"
|bgcolor=98FB98|[[2009 Indian general election]]||[[Chidambaram (Lok Sabha constituency)|Chidambaram]]||[[Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi|VCK]] ||Won|| 49.3||E. Ponnuswamy||[[Pattali Makkal Katchi|PMK]]||37.91<ref name="LS2009">{{cite web|title=Statistical report on General elections, 2009 to the 15th Lok Sabha|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/archiveofge2009/Stats/VOLI/25_ConstituencyWiseDetailedResult.pdf|year=2009|page=95|publisher=Election Commission of India|access-date=10 November 2013}}</ref>
|- style="background:#cfc;"
|bgcolor=FFA07A|[[2014 Indian general election]]||[[Chidambaram (Lok Sabha constituency)|Chidambaram]] ||VCK||Lost|| 27.9||M. Chandrakasi||[[AIADMK]]||39.9<ref name="LS2014">{{cite web|title=Statistical report on General elections, 2014 to the 16th Lok Sabha|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/archiveofge2014/32%20-%20Constituency%20data%20summary.pdf|year=2014|page=32|publisher=Election Commission of India|access-date=10 November 2015}}</ref>
|- style="background:#ffc;"
|bgcolor=FFA07A|[[2016 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2016 Tamil Nadu state assembly election]]||[[Kattumannarkoil (State Assembly Constituency)|Kattumannar Koil]]||VCK ||Lost|| 29.27||Murugumaran||[[AIADMK]]||29.33<ref name="AE2016">{{cite web|title=General Election To Legislative Assembly Trends & Result 2016|url=http://eciresults.nic.in/ConstituencywiseS22159.htm?ac=159|year=2016|publisher=Election Commission of India|access-date=25 May 2016}}</ref>
|- style="background:#ffc;"
|bgcolor=98FB98|[[2019 Indian general election]]||[[Chidambaram (Lok Sabha constituency)|Chidambaram]] ||VCK||Won|| 50||P. Chandrasekar||[[AIADMK]]||49<ref name="LS2014"/>
|}
|}
*  '''2001''': Elected to Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly for the first time.
*  '''May 2009''': Elected to Lok Sabha (fifteenth) for the first time
*  '''May 2019''': Elected to Lok Sabha 17th for the second time
*  '''31 August 2009''':Member of committee on commerce and member of consultative committee on ministry of social justice and empowerment.<ref name="about">{{cite web|title=Political Career|url=http://164.100.47.132/Lssnew/Members/Biography.aspx?mpsno=4549|publisher=National Informatics Centre|work=Parliament of India|access-date=30 November 2013}}</ref>


==Political views==
== Electoral Performance ==
Thirumalavan's politics are grounded in [[B. R. Ambedkar|Ambedkarite]] and Dravidian philosophies as well as a retheorisation of [[Tamil nationalism]], which seeks to turn it into a force for annihilation of the [[Indian caste system|caste system]].<ref name="hindutva-review">{{Cite news | last=Nambath | first=Suresh | title=Politicisation of identity | newspaper=The Hindu | date=10 May 2005 | url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/br/2005/05/10/stories/2005051000241600.htm | access-date= 30 January 2009 | location=Chennai, India}}</ref> Oppression of Dalits, he says, is institutionalised in India, including Tamil Nadu. Although the [[Dravidian parties]] which dominate the politics of Tamil Nadu are ideologically committed to the eradication of the caste system, Thirumavalavan argues that they have in practice drifted away from the original ideals of the [[Dravidian movement]]. Their policies, he says, have mainly benefitted the middle castes, and had actually led to an increase in the oppression of Dalits, with the middle castes replacing the Brahmins as the oppressor. Dalits cannot and should not expect much help from the Dravidian parties.<ref name="talisman-review" /> The solution, according to Thirumavalavan, lies in Tamil nationalism. Caste oppression, he says, can only be ended by building resistance from below, through appealing to Tamil sentiments, as happened in the early days of the Dravidian movement under [[Periyar E. V. Ramasamy]].<ref name="talisman-review" /> If a properly Tamil government is formed in Tamil Nadu, he says, caste oppression will immediately disappear.<ref name="hindutva-review" />


Thirumavalavan's views on the importance of the Tamil identity have also led him to strongly support [[Sri Lankan Tamil nationalism|Tamil secessionist groups in Sri Lanka]], including the [[Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam]], a militant secessionist group who are formally banned as a terrorist organisation in India.<ref name="express-bio" /> He has criticised India for assisting the [[Sri Lankan army]] during the [[Eelam War IV|Sri Lankan military operations against the LTTE in 2008 and 2009]], and has called upon the [[government of Tamil Nadu]] to take steps to safeguard the Tamils of Sri Lanka.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Express News Service|date=6 January 2009|title=Decide boldly on Sri Lanka, Thirumavalavan tells CM|newspaper=The New Indian Express|location=Chennai|url=http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Decide+boldly+on+Sri+Lanka,+Thirumavalavan+tells+CM&artid=OiOVLtTjOgc=&SectionID=vBlkz7JCFvA=&MainSectionID=oHSKVfNWYm0=&SectionName=EL7znOtxBM3qzgMyXZKtxw==&SEO=|access-date=31 January 2009}}</ref> On 15 January 2009 he started a hunger fast near Chennai (Maraimalai Adigal Nagar) for the cause of Sri Lankan Tamils.<ref>{{cite news|date=16 January 2009|title=Thol Thirumavalavan begins indefinite fast|newspaper=The Times of India|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Chennai/Thol_Thirumavalavan_begins_indefinite_fast/articleshow/3986063.cms|access-date=30 November 2013}}</ref> After four days, on 19 January he called off the fast, saying that it had had no effect on the Indian government, and calling for a [[hartal]] in its place.<ref name="ending-fast">{{Cite news|last=Kolappan|first=B.|date=19 January 2009|title=Thirumavalavan calls off fast|location=Chennai, India|url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/01/19/stories/2009011950460100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122001721/http://hindu.com/2009/01/19/stories/2009011950460100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 January 2009|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=30 November 2013}}</ref> He was a part of the 10 member MP team that visited the war-affected areas and transitional centres in Vavuniya on 11 October 2009. The delegation visited various part of Jaffna district and had a meeting at the Jaffna public library.<ref>{{cite web|title=Indian MPs visit transitional Centers in Vavuniya and visit to Jaffna District|url=http://www.np.gov.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=159:indian-mps-visit-transitional-centers-in-vavuniya-and-visit-to-jaffna-district|publisher=Northern Provincial Council, Government of Sri Lanka|date=12 October 2009|access-date=30 November 2013}}</ref>
=== General Elections ===
{| class="sortable wikitable"
! Year
! <small>Constituency</small>
! colspan="2"|Party
! Votes
! %
! Opponent
! colspan="2"|<small>Opponent Party</small>
! <small>Opponent Votes</small>
! %
! <small>Result</small>
! Margin
! %
|-
! [[2024 Indian general election|2024]]
| rowspan="6"|[[Chidambaram Lok Sabha constituency|Chidambaram]]
| {{Party name with color|Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi|rowspan=4}}
| 505,084
| 43.28
| <small>M. Chandrahasan</small>
| {{Party name with color|All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|rowspan=3}}
| 401,530
| 34.40
| {{yes2|Won}}
| 103,554
| 8.68
|-
! [[2019 Indian general election|2019]]
| 500,229
| 43.52
| <small>P. Chandrasekar</small>
| 497,010
| 43.24
| {{yes2|Won}}
| 3,219
| 0.28
|-
! [[2014 Indian general election|2014]]
| 301,041
| 27.97
| <small>[[M. Chandrakasi]]</small>
| 429,536
| 39.91
| {{no2|Lost}}
| −128,495
| −11.94
|-
! [[2009 Indian general election|2009]]
| 428,804
| 49.30
| rowspan="3"|<small>[[E. Ponnuswamy]]</small>
| {{Party name with color|Pattali Makkal Katchi|rowspan=3}}
| 329,721
| 37.96
| {{yes2|Won}}
| 99,083
| 11.41
|-
! [[2004 Indian general election|2004]]
| {{Party name with color|Janata Dal (United)}}
| 255,773
| 34.41
| 343,424
| 46.20
| {{no2|Lost}}
| −87,651
| −11.79
|-
! [[1999 Indian general election|1999]]
| {{Party name with color|Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar)}}
| 225,768
| 31.17
| 345,331
| 47.68
| {{no2|Lost}}
| −119,563
| −16.51
|-
|}


Thirumavalvan has also severely criticised Hindu society for, in his views, being built on the basis of caste and obeying the [[Manusmriti]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Thirumurthy|first=Priyanka|date=2020-10-28|title=Thol Thirumavalavan interview: 'Manusmriti is practiced in all walks of life'|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/thol-thirumavalavan-interview-manusmriti-practiced-all-walks-life-136351|access-date=2021-03-29|website=The News Minute|language=en|quote="Manusmriti is practiced in all walks of life. From the time a child is born, they are fed caste identity and taught their caste rituals. From what they wear to what they eat, from their relationships to marriage and finally their last rites, it is Manusmriti that is being practiced. How can you say it is not relevant?"}}</ref>
===Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly===
{| class="sortable wikitable"
! Year
! <small>Constituency</small>
! colspan="2"|Party
! Votes
! %
! Opponent
! colspan="2"|<small>Opponent Party</small>
! <small>Opponent Votes</small>
! %
! <small>Result</small>
! Margin
! %
|-
! [[2016 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2016]]
| [[Kattumannarkoil Assembly constituency|Kattumannarkoil]]
| {{Party name with color|Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi}}
| 48,363
| 29.28
| <small>[[N. Murugumaran]]</small>
| {{Party name with color|All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}
| 48,450
| 29.33
| {{no2|Lost}}
| −87
| −0.05
|-
! [[2001 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2001]]
| [[Mangalore, Tamil Nadu Assembly constituency|Mangaloree]]
| {{Party name with color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}
| 64,627
| 47.87
| <small>S. Puratchimani</small>
| {{Party name with color|Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar)}}
| 62,772
| 46.49
| {{yes2|Won}}
| 1,855
| 1.37
|-
|}


Dr. Thirumalavan is also a staunch critic of [[Hindu nationalism]] and, in particular, [[Hindutva]]. Hindutva, to Thirumavalavan, is the essence of the oppressive Indian state.<ref name="hindutva-review" /> Hindutva, he argues, has through religion worked to homogenise Tamil society with that of northern India. This, he says, has led to Tamils losing their identity.<ref name="talisman-review" /> Ethnic Tamil nationalism, in his view, is essential to combat Hindutva.<ref name="hindutva-review" /> In more recent years his politics have mainly revolved around opposing the BJP and RSS in their agenda, including the controversial [[Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019|Citizenship Amendment Act]]. He views Hindutva organizations and ideology as being against the ideas of secularism and social justice. To him the idea of a Hindu Rashtra goes against the Indian constitution and would lead to continuation of caste hierarchies as part of "Sanatana Dharma" (Brahminism according to him).<ref>{{Cite web|title='Ambedkarite Parties Must Oppose CAA': Thol Thirumavalavan Speaks to The Wire|url=https://thewire.in/politics/thol-thirumavalavan-interview-caa|access-date=2021-03-29|website=The Wire}}</ref>
==Political views==
Thirumalavan's politics are based on [[B. R. Ambedkar|Ambedkarite]] and [[Dravidian movement|Dravidian]] philosophies, and a retheorization of [[Tamil nationalism]], which seeks to end the [[Indian caste system|caste system]].<ref name="hindutva-review">{{Cite news | last=Nambath | first=Suresh | title=Politicisation of identity | newspaper=The Hindu | date=10 May 2005 | url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/br/2005/05/10/stories/2005051000241600.htm | access-date= 30 January 2009 | location=Chennai, India}}</ref> As per him, the oppression of Dalits is institutionalised in India, and although the [[Dravidian parties]], which dominate the politics of Tamil Nadu, are ideologically against the caste system, he argues that they have in practice drifted away from the original ideals of the Dravidian movement. Their policies, he says, have mainly benefited the [[backward class]], has led to an increase in the oppression of Dalits, with these castes replacing the [[Brahmins]] as the oppressor, and Dalits cannot not expect much help from these parties. The solution, according to him, lies in Tamil nationalism, and the caste oppression can only be ended by building resistance from below, through appealing to Tamil sentiments, as happened in the early days of the Dravidian movement under [[Periyar]].<ref name="talisman-review" /> He says that the caste oppression will disappear if a Tamil nationalist government is formed in Tamil Nadu.<ref name="hindutva-review" /> In 2009, he welcomed an announcement of the state government to implement a three percent reservation in educationall institutes for the Dalits.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/Ambedkar-award-for-Karunanidhi/article16815682.ece|title = Ambedkar award for Karunanidhi|work=[[The Hindu]]|date = 20 February 2010}}</ref>


In 2009, Tamilnadu's chief minister [[M. Karunanidhi]] passed a resolution in principle for 3% inner reservation for Arunthathiyar community, which Thirumavalavan supported.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/Ambedkar-award-for-Karunanidhi/article16815682.ece|title = Ambedkar award for Karunanidhi|newspaper = The Hindu|date = 20 February 2010}}</ref>
Thirumavalavan's views have led him to support the [[Sri Lankan Tamil nationalism|Tamil secessionist groups in Sri Lanka]], including the [[Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam]], a militant secessionist group who are formally banned as a terrorist organisation in India.<ref name="express-bio" /> He has criticised India for assisting the [[Sri Lankan army]] during the [[Eelam War IV|Sri Lankan military operations against the LTTE]], and has called upon the Tamil Nadu state government to take steps to safeguard the interest of [[Sri Lankan Tamils]].<ref>{{cite news|date=6 January 2009|title=Decide boldly on Sri Lanka, Thirumavalavan tells CM|work=[[The New Indian Express]]|url=http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Decide+boldly+on+Sri+Lanka,+Thirumavalavan+tells+CM&artid=OiOVLtTjOgc=&SectionID=vBlkz7JCFvA=&MainSectionID=oHSKVfNWYm0=&SectionName=EL7znOtxBM3qzgMyXZKtxw==&SEO=|access-date=31 January 2009}}</ref> On 15 January 2009, he went on a hunger strike in Chennai for the cause of Sri Lankan Tamils.<ref>{{cite news|date=16 January 2009|title=Thol Thirumavalavan begins indefinite fast|work=[[The Times of India]]|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Chennai/Thol_Thirumavalavan_begins_indefinite_fast/articleshow/3986063.cms|access-date=30 November 2013}}</ref> After four days, he called off the fast, saying that it had had no effect on the Indian government, and calling for a [[hartal]] in its place.<ref name="ending-fast">{{cite news|last=Kolappan|first=B.|date=19 January 2009|title=Thirumavalavan calls off fast|url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/01/19/stories/2009011950460100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122001721/http://hindu.com/2009/01/19/stories/2009011950460100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 January 2009|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=30 November 2013}}</ref> He was later part of a ten member team that visited the war-affected areas and transitional centres in [[Vavuniya]] on 11 October 2009. The delegation visited various parts of [[Jaffna district]] and held a meeting at the [[Jaffna Public Library]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Indian MPs visit transitional Centers in Vavuniya and visit to Jaffna District|url=http://www.np.gov.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=159:indian-mps-visit-transitional-centers-in-vavuniya-and-visit-to-jaffna-district|work=Northern Provincial Council, Government of Sri Lanka|date=12 October 2009|access-date=30 November 2013}}</ref>


==Literature and popular culture==
Thirumavalvan has criticised the Hindu society for, in his views, being built on the basis of caste and obeying the [[Manusmriti]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Thirumurthy|first=Priyanka|date=28 October 2020|title=Thol Thirumavalavan interview: 'Manusmriti is practiced in all walks of life'|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/thol-thirumavalavan-interview-manusmriti-practiced-all-walks-life-136351|access-date=29 March 2021|work=[[The News Minute]]|quote="Manusmriti is practiced in all walks of life. From the time a child is born, they are fed caste identity and taught their caste rituals. From what they wear to what they eat, from their relationships to marriage and finally their last rites, it is Manusmriti that is being practiced. How can you say it is not relevant?"}}</ref> He is a staunch critic of [[Hindu nationalism]] and [[Hindutva]], which according to him, is the essence of the oppressive Indian state.<ref name="hindutva-review" /> He argues that Hindutva has worked to homogenise Tamil society through religion, which has led to Tamils losing their identity, and rthnic Tamil nationalism is essential to combat this.<ref name="talisman-review" /><ref name="hindutva-review" /> He has opposed the BJP and the [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh]] for their agenda, and opposed the [[Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019|Citizenship Amendment Act]] in 2019. He views these organizations and their ideology as being against the ideas of secularism and social justice, and the idea of a [[Hindu Rashtra]] goes against the [[Indian Constitution]] and would lead to continuation of caste hierarchies.<ref>{{cite web|title='Ambedkarite Parties Must Oppose CAA': Thol Thirumavalavan Speaks to The Wire|url=https://thewire.in/politics/thol-thirumavalavan-interview-caa|access-date=29 March 2021|work=[[The Wire (India)|The Wire]]}}</ref> He believes that [[Sanatan Dharma]] rejects equality, freedom and brotherhood,<ref>{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/trichy/dmk-led-alliance-sounds-battle-cry-against-sanatan-forces/articleshow/67669932.cms | title=DMK-led alliance sounds battle cry against 'Sanatan forces' | work=[[The Times of India]] | date=24 January 2019 }}</ref> and these organisations want to divide people on religious lines to implement the ''Manu Dharma''.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/sanatana-forces-divide-people-to-implement-manu-dharma-karaikudi-ramanathapuram/article36483351.ece | title='Sanatana forces divide people to implement Manu dharma' | work=[[The Hindu]] | date=15 September 2021 }}</ref> In 2021, he claimed that it is his policy to expose to people, the intentions of the BJP which seeks to gain political advantage by cultivating [[casteism]] in Tamil soil, inciting religious hatred and division.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.vikatan.com/government-and-politics/politics/thirumavalavan-speaks-about-rss-bjp-in-villupuram | title='சனாதனத்தை வேரறுப்போம், ஜனநாயகத்தை பாதுகாப்போம்!' – தொல்.திருமாவளவன் | date=26 March 2021 |work=[[Vikatan]] |access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>
Thiruma's books in Tamil include ''Aththumeeru'' (Transgress), ''Tamizhargal Hindukkala?'' (Are the Tamils, Hindus?), ''Eelam Enral Puligal, Puligal Enral Eelam'' (Eelam means Tigers, Tigers means Eelam), ''Hindutuvathai Veraruppom'' (We Shall Uproot Hindutva), ''Saadhiya Sandharpavaadha Aniyai Veezhtuvom'' (We Shall Defeat the Casteist Opportunist Alliance). Two of his books have been published in English by Stree-Samya Books, Kolkata: ''Talisman: Extreme Emotions of Dalit Liberation'' (political essays written for 34 weeks in the ''India Today'' magazine's Tamil edition)<ref name="talisman-review" /> and ''Uproot Hindutva: The Fiery Voice of the Liberation Panthers'' (contains 12 of his speeches).<ref name="hindutva-review" /> In 2018, he released a book ''Amaipai Thiralvom'' based on his political experiences which received warm welcome, positive reviews and also criticism from various Intellectual sources<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vikatan.com/news/tamilnadu/117598-thirumavalavans-amaippai-thiralvom-book-released-in-chennai.html|title=Amaipai Thiralvom book written by Dr.Thol.Thirumavalavan}}</ref>


Thirumavalavan played a guest appearance as a Tamil militant leader in Sri Lanka in his first film ''Anbu Thozhi'' (2007), directed by L. G. Ravichandran.<ref name="express-bio"/><ref name="Anbu Thozhi">{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/News/18-5-05/tamil.htm|title=Tamil means business|date=18 May 2005|access-date=2 January 2020|publisher=behindwoods.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-dalit-leader-bags-leading-role-in-tamil-film-1104841|title=Dalit leader bags leading role in Tamil film|date=21 June 2007|access-date=2 January 2020|work=[[Daily News and Analysis]]}}</ref> Thirumavalavan was cast in the leading role of a film titled ''Kalaham'' to play the character of Balasingham, a law college professor, which was being directed by [[Kalanjiyam]]. The film later failed to materialize.<ref name="express-bio"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/bitten-by-acting-bug-is-thiruma-tamil-news-31705|title=Bitten by acting bug is Thiruma|date=11 June 2007|access-date=2 January 2020|publisher=indiaglitz.com}}</ref> He also appeared in a song in [[Mansoor Ali Khan (actor)|Mansoor Ali Khan]]'s ''[[Ennai Paar Yogam Varum]]'' (2007).<ref name="Ennai Paar Yogam Varum">{{cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/release-after-a-long-wait-ennai-par-yogam-varum-tamil-news-32059|title=Release after a long wait&nbsp;- Ennai Par Yogam Varum|date=29 June 2007|access-date=2 January 2020|publisher=indiaglitz.com}}</ref> In 2011, he played the role of the Chief Minister in ''[[Minsaram]]''.<ref name="Minsaram">{{cite web|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/feb-11-01/minsaram-thol-thirumavalavan-07-02-11.html|title=The CM in Minsaram|date=7 February 2011|access-date=2 January 2020|publisher=behindwoods.com}}</ref>
== Film career ==
Thirumavalavan made a guest appearance as a Tamil militant leader in the Sri Lankan Tamil film ''Anbu Thozhi'' (2007), directed by L. G. Ravichandran.<ref name="express-bio"/><ref name="Anbu Thozhi">{{cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-dalit-leader-bags-leading-role-in-tamil-film-1104841|title=Dalit leader bags leading role in Tamil film|date=21 June 2007|access-date=2 January 2020|work=[[Daily News and Analysis]]}}</ref> He was cast in the lead role of a film titled ''Kalaham'', directed by [[Kalanjiyam]], which was later shelved.<ref name="express-bio"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/bitten-by-acting-bug-is-thiruma-tamil-news-31705|title=Bitten by acting bug is Thiruma|date=11 June 2007|access-date=2 January 2020|work=IndiaGlitz.com}}</ref> He also appeared in a song in [[Mansoor Ali Khan (actor)|Mansoor Ali Khan]]'s ''[[Ennai Paar Yogam Varum]]'' (2007).<ref name="Ennai Paar Yogam Varum">{{cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/release-after-a-long-wait-ennai-par-yogam-varum-tamil-news-32059|title=Release after a long wait&nbsp;- Ennai Par Yogam Varum|date=29 June 2007|access-date=2 January 2020|work=IndiaGlitz}}</ref> In 2011, he played the role of a politician in ''[[Minsaram]]''.<ref name="Minsaram">{{cite web|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/feb-11-01/minsaram-thol-thirumavalavan-07-02-11.html|title=The CM in Minsaram|date=7 February 2011|access-date=2 January 2020|work=Behindwoods}}</ref>


==Filmography==
=== Filmography ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Film !! Role !! class="unsortable"|Notes !! class="unsortable"|{{Tooltip|Ref(s)|Reference(s)}}
! Year !! Film !! Role !! class="unsortable"|Notes !! class="unsortable"|{{Tooltip|Ref(s)|Reference(s)}}
|-
|-
| 2007 || ''Anbu Thozhi'' || Karuppu || Guest appearance || <ref name="Anbu Thozhi"/>
| 2007 || ''[[Anbu Thozhi]]'' || Karuppu || Guest appearance ||<ref name="Anbu Thozhi"/>
|-  
|-  
| 2007 || ''[[Ennai Paar Yogam Varum]]'' || Muslim singer || Special appearance || <ref name="Ennai Paar Yogam Varum"/>
| 2007 || ''[[Ennai Paar Yogam Varum]]'' || Singer || Special appearance ||<ref name="Ennai Paar Yogam Varum"/>
|-
|-
| 2011 || ''[[Minsaram]]'' || Thamizharasan || || <ref name="Minsaram"/>
| 2011 || ''[[Minsaram]]'' || Thamizharasan || Chief Minister Role ||<ref name="Minsaram"/>
|}
|}
== Works ==
{{refimprove|section|date=February 2026}}
* ''Aththumeeru'' (Transgress), ''Tamizhargal Hindukkala?'' (Are the Tamils, Hindus?)
* ''Eelam Enral Puligal, Puligal Enral Eelam'' (Eelam means Tigers, Tigers means Eelam)
* ''Hindutuvathai Veraruppom'' (We Shall Uproot Hindutva)
* ''Saadhiya Sandharpavaadha Aniyai Veezhtuvom'' (We Shall Defeat the Casteist Opportunist Alliance).
* Two of his books have been published in English by Stree-Samya Books, Kolkata: ''Talisman: Extreme Emotions of Dalit Liberation'' (political essays written for 34 weeks in the ''India Today'' magazine's Tamil edition)<ref name="talisman-review" /> and ''Uproot Hindutva: The Fiery Voice of the Liberation Panthers'' (contains 12 of his speeches).<ref name="hindutva-review" />
* In 2018, he released a book ''Amaipai Thiralvom'' based on his political experiences which received warm welcome, positive reviews and also criticism from various Intellectual sources<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vikatan.com/news/tamilnadu/117598-thirumavalavans-amaippai-thiralvom-book-released-in-chennai.html|title=Amaipai Thiralvom book written by Dr.Thol.Thirumavalavan|date=27 February 2018 }}</ref>


==Controversies==
==Controversies==
In the northern districts of Tamil Nadu with a large Vanniyar population, there are frequent clashes between Dalits and Vanniyars. During the 1999 general elections, there was intense violence in the region with casualties on both sides. Thirumavalavan accused [[Pattali Makkal Katchi]], a Vanniyar caste-based party and its founder [[Ramadoss]] of instigating violence among the Vanniyars that result in the attack of Dalits. While Ramadoss alleges that Thirumavalavan encourages his party men to have sham inter-caste love marriage, Thirumavalavan accuses Ramadoss of showing caste superiority and instigating violence against Dalits. Both Thirumavalavan and Ramadoss reconciled and worked together during the period of 2004 to 2009, when they were part of the same electoral alliance. After 2009, when PMK split out of the DMK combine, the mutual confrontation started again.<ref>{{cite news|title=Thirumavalavan allegation baseless: Ramadoss|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/thirumavalavan-allegation-baseless-ramadoss/article4107617.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=18 November 2012|access-date=30 November 2013|location=Chennai}}</ref>
In northern Tamil Nadu, which has a significant Vanniyar population, there have been frequent clashes between the Dalits and Vanniyars. Thirumavalavan has often blamed PMK and its founder Ramadoss of instigating violence among the Vanniyars that result in the attack of Dalits. Meanwhile, as Ramadoss alleged that Thirumavalavan encourages his party men to perform inter-caste marriages, Thirumavalavan has accused Ramadoss of showing caste superiority and instigating violence against Dalits. Though they were part of the same alliance fromf 2004 to 2009, the mutual confrontation started again after the split.<ref>{{cite web|title=Thirumavalavan allegation baseless: Ramadoss|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/thirumavalavan-allegation-baseless-ramadoss/article4107617.ece|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=18 November 2012|access-date=30 November 2013}}</ref>
 
During December 2012, Ramadoss formed an all community safeguard forum comprising 51 intermediate castes. He said he would not have any further alliance with Thirumavalavan and his party. He alleged that the Dalits take undue advantage over other communities using the [[Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989|SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act]] and the Act should be abolished.<ref>{{cite news|title=Brahmins support new Forum, says Ramadoss|url=http://newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/article1389590.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218114410/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/article1389590.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 December 2013|access-date=30 November 2013|date=22 December 2012|newspaper=The Indian Express|location=Coimbatore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Ramadoss's caste cauldron reheats anti-Dalit call|url= https://www.indiatoday.in/india/south/story/pmk-founder-s-ramadoss-caste-cauldron-anti-dalit-inter-caste-marriages-123868-2012-12-09|newspaper=India Today|last=K.S.|first=Durairasu|date=10 December 2012|access-date=30 November 2013|location=Chennai}}</ref> During April 2013, after the party conference of PMK in [[Mahabalipuram]], there were widespread attacks on the Dalits in [[Dharmapuri district]] that resulted in two Dalits being killed. Both PMK and VCK accused each other for the mishap, but Ramadoss was arrested after the orders from the state government for the hate speech and damages to the state property during the violence.<ref>{{cite news|title=CM blames Ramadoss for caste clash, warns of action|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/CM-blames-Ramadoss-for-caste-clash-warns-of-action/articleshow/19793306.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605100358/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-04-30/chennai/38928916_1_s-ramadoss-thol-thirumavalavan-pmk|url-status=live|archive-date=5 June 2013|date=30 April 2013|access-date=30 November 2013|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|location=Chennai}}{{cite news|title=Six VCK cadres get jail term for murder of PMK man|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Marakkanam-violence-Six-VCK-cadres-get-jail-term-for-murder-of-PMK-man/articleshow/50835978.cms|date=3 February 2016|access-date=3 February 2016|newspaper=The Times of India|location=Chennai}}</ref> Thirumavalavan accused Ramadoss that his loss in the electoral base after the 2009 general elections and 2011 assembly elections has resulted in his going back to instigating caste violence.<ref>{{cite news|title=Thirumavalavan calls for action against Ramadoss|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/thirumavalavan-calls-for-action-against-ramadoss/article4661124.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=28 April 2013|access-date=30 November 2013|location=Chennai}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=A dangerous strategy|url=http://www.frontline.in/social-issues/a-dangerous-strategy/article4705544.ece|newspaper= Frontline|last=B.|first= Jothi Ramalingam|date=31 May 2013|access-date=30 November 2013}}</ref>
 
The [[Bahujan Samaj Party|BSP]] was floated in Tamil Nadu in December 2008 with the same ideology as in Uttar Pradesh to unite the Dalits and Brahmins. Some of the prominent members of VCK like Selvaperunthagai, who was a MLA in [[Mangalore, Tamil Nadu Assembly constituency|Mangalore constituency]], joined BSP. Thirumavalavan, in his response, claimed that the BSP is no threat to VCK vote bank and that the BSP has dumped the principles of [[B. R. Ambedkar|Ambedkar]], [[Kanshi Ram]] and [[Periyar E. V. Ramasamy|Periyar]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archive.tehelka.com/story_main41.asp?filename=Ws271208elephants_dravidian.asp|title=The Elephant's March into Dravidian Land|last=PC|first=Vinoj Kumar|date=15 December 2008|access-date=30 November 2013|newspaper=Tehelka}}</ref> Some of the senior journalists also believed that BSP will not have a firm hold in Tamil Nadu to garner the 19% Dalit vote bank in Tamil Nadu as it did in Uttar Pradesh, as the vote bank is already split by the VCK and Puthia Tamizhagam party.<ref>{{cite news|title=TN terrain may not be easy road for Mayawati|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-12-23/chennai/27925364_1_dalit-parties-tamil-nadu-mayawati|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203060758/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-12-23/chennai/27925364_1_dalit-parties-tamil-nadu-mayawati|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 December 2013|last=Ram|first=Arun|location=Chennai|date=23 December 2008|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=30 December 2013}}</ref>


During December 2012, Ramadoss formed an all community safeguard forum comprising 51 intermediate castes. He said he would not have any further alliance with Thirumavalavan and his party. He alleged that the Dalits take undue advantage over other communities using the [[Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989|SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act]] and the Act should be abolished.<ref>{{cite news|title=Brahmins support new Forum, says Ramadoss|url=http://newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/article1389590.ece|access-date=30 November 2013|date=22 December 2012|newspaper=The Indian Express|location=Coimbatore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Ramadoss's caste cauldron reheats anti-Dalit call|url= http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/pmk-founder-s-ramadoss-caste-cauldron-anti-dalit-inter-caste-marriages/1/237039.html|newspaper=India Today|last=K.S.|first=Durairasu|date=10 December 2012|access-date=30 November 2013|location=Chennai}}</ref> During April 2013, after the party conference of PMK in [[Mahabalipuram]], there were widespread attacks on the Dalits in [[Dharmapuri district]] that resulted in two Dalits being killed. Both PMK and VCK accused each other for the mishap, but Ramadoss was arrested after the orders from the state government for the hate speech and damages to the state property during the violence.<ref>{{cite news|title=CM blames Ramadoss for caste clash, warns of action|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-04-30/chennai/38928916_1_s-ramadoss-thol-thirumavalavan-pmk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605100358/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-04-30/chennai/38928916_1_s-ramadoss-thol-thirumavalavan-pmk|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 June 2013|date=30 April 2013|access-date=30 November 2013|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|location=Chennai}}{{cite news|title=Six VCK cadres get jail term for murder of PMK man|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Marakkanam-violence-Six-VCK-cadres-get-jail-term-for-murder-of-PMK-man/articleshow/50835978.cms|date=3 Feb 2016|access-date=3 Feb 2016|newspaper=The Times of India|location=Chennai}}</ref> Thirumavalavan accused Ramadoss that his loss in the electoral base after the 2009 general elections and 2011 assembly elections has resulted in his going back to instigating caste violence.<ref>{{cite news|title=Thirumavalavan calls for action against Ramadoss|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/thirumavalavan-calls-for-action-against-ramadoss/article4661124.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=28 April 2013|access-date=30 November 2013|location=Chennai}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=A dangerous strategy|url=http://www.frontline.in/social-issues/a-dangerous-strategy/article4705544.ece|newspaper= Frontline|last=B.|first= Jothi Ramalingam|date=31 May 2013|access-date=30 November 2013}}</ref>
The VCK, in a plan to start a television channel, asked the party men to donate gold on the occasion of the 50th birthday of Thirumavalavan. There were also ''Thulabaram'' type of functions where equal weight of Thirmavalavan was donated. This was subject to wider criticism, drawing parallels with the exotic celebrations organised by [[Mayawati]], the leader of BSP in Uttar Pradesh. Thirumavalavan clarified that the idea was to collect donations for the party and that his party did not enjoy support from rich people as with the case of other parties. As of 4 October 2012, the party got {{convert|10|kg|lb|abbr=on}} of gold from seven centres that included Puducherry that had {{convert|1.5|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/printarticle.aspx?281538|newspaper=Outlook|title=Give us our remote|date=16 July 2012|access-date=30 November 2013|location=Tamil Nadu|last=Dasgupta|first=Debarishi}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Coin 'Thulabaram' for Thirumavalavan|url=http://newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/article1284429.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203091421/http://newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/article1284429.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 December 2013|newspaper=The New Indian Express|location=Puducherry|date=4 October 2012|access-date=30 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Coin Thulabaram for Thirumavalavan|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/coin-thulabaram-for-thirumavalavan/297749-60-118.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007044901/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/coin-thulabaram-for-thirumavalavan/297749-60-118.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 October 2012|publisher=CNN-IBN|date=6 October 2012|access-date=30 December 2013}}</ref>


The [[Bahujan Samaj Party|BSP]] was floated in Tamil Nadu in December 2008 with the same ideology as in Uttar Pradesh to unite the Dalits and Brahmins. Some of the prominent members of VCK like Selvaperunthagai, who was a MLA in [[Mangalore (state assembly constituency)|Mangalur constituency]], joined BSP. Thirumavalavan, in his response, claimed that the BSP is no threat to VCK vote bank and that the BSP has dumped the principles of [[B. R. Ambedkar|Ambedkar]], [[Kanshi Ram]] and [[Periyar E. V. Ramasamy|Periyar]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archive.tehelka.com/story_main41.asp?filename=Ws271208elephants_dravidian.asp|title=The Elephant's March into Dravidian Land|last=PC|first=Vinoj Kumar|date=15 December 2008|access-date=30 November 2013|newspaper=Tehelka}}</ref> Some of the senior journalists also believed that BSP will not have a firm hold in Tamil Nadu to garner the 19% Dalit vote bank in Tamil Nadu as it did in Uttar Pradesh, as the vote bank is already split by the VCK and Puthia Tamizhagam party.<ref>{{cite news|title=TN terrain may not be easy road for Mayawati|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-12-23/chennai/27925364_1_dalit-parties-tamil-nadu-mayawati|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203060758/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-12-23/chennai/27925364_1_dalit-parties-tamil-nadu-mayawati|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 December 2013|last=Ram|first=Arun|location=Chennai|date=23 December 2008|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=30 December 2013}}</ref>
An altered video of a webinar from September 2020 in which  Thirumavalavan was mentioning certain portions from Manusmriti on the status of women and their role created a controversy where he allegedly said that the Manusmriti treated all women as prostitutes.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/dispatches/tamil-nadu-police-registers-a-case-against-thol-thirumavalavan-for-his-degrading-remarks-against-women-and-manusmiriti-in-what-the-vck-says-is-a-doctored-video/article32936904.ece | title=Tamil Nadu police register a case against Thol. Thirumavalavan for his 'degrading' remarks against women and Manusmiriti on the basis of a 'doctored video' | date=24 October 2020 }}</ref> As soon as the video gained steam, BJP members condemned his statements and claimed that Thirumavalavan had insulted women by referring to them as prostitutes. Thirumavalavan, however, claimed that he was not demeaning women but emancipating them and that he was merely quoting great leaders. The Chennai city police registered a case against Thirumavalavan for over his comment on Manusmriti on 23 October 2020, based on a complaint by BJP legal cell state secretary.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/manusmriti-row-vck-leader-thirumavalavan-booked-comment-136039 | title=Manusmriti row: VCK leader Thirumavalavan booked for comment | date=24 October 2020 }}</ref> The VCK cadre across Tamil Nadu staged protests,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thequint.com/news/india/tamil-nadu-witness-protest-over-manusmriti | title=VCK-Led Protests Erupt in Tamil Nadu Seeking a Ban on Manusmriti | date=27 October 2020 }}</ref> after the call for protests by Thirumavalavan urging the state and union government to ban Manusmriti on 24 October 2020 saying that the Manusmriti degrades Dalits, indigenous people, women and [[backward castes]] and spreads hate on them.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/vck-calls-for-state-wide-protest-demanding-ban-on-manusmriti/article32933356.ece | title=VCK calls for State-wide protest demanding ban on Manusmriti | newspaper=The Hindu | date=23 October 2020 }}</ref> During the protests, he claimed that a few groups edited out five minutes from the forty minute video and claimed that he was demeaning women and the [[Hindutva]] groups are circulating the false message against him.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/vck-protests-tamil-nadu-seeking-ban-manusmriti-136086 | title=VCK protests in Tamil Nadu seeking ban on Manusmriti | date=24 October 2020 }}</ref>


The VCK, in a plan to start a television channel, asked the party men to donate gold on the occasion of the 50th birthday of Thirumavalavan. There were also ''Thulabaram'' type of functions where equal weight of Thirmavalavan was donated. This was subject to wider criticism, drawing parallels with the exotic celebrations organised by [[Mayawati]], the leader of BSP in Uttar Pradesh. Thirumavalavan clarified that the idea was to collect donations for the party and that his party did not enjoy support from rich people as with the case of other parties. As of 4 October 2012, the party got {{convert|10|kg|lb|abbr=on}} of gold from seven centres that included Puducherry that had {{convert|1.5|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/printarticle.aspx?281538|newspaper=Outlook|title=Give us our remote|date=16 July 2012|access-date=30 November 2013|location=Tamil Nadu|last=Dasgupta|first=Debarishi}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Coin 'Thulabaram' for Thirumavalavan|url=http://newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/article1284429.ece|newspaper=The New Indian Express|location=Puducherry|date=4 October 2012|access-date=30 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Coin Thulabaram for Thirumavalavan|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/coin-thulabaram-for-thirumavalavan/297749-60-118.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007044901/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/coin-thulabaram-for-thirumavalavan/297749-60-118.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 October 2012|publisher=CNN-IBN|date=6 October 2012|access-date=30 December 2013}}</ref>
In September 2023, Thirumavalavan made derogatory remarks on [[Sanatan Dharma]] by calling it a ''contagious disease'' and a ''threat to democracy''. He also called for its annihilation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/tamil-nadu/vck-chief-thirumavalavan-backs-udayanidhis-statement-on-sanatana-dharma-quotes-ambedkar-2671347|title=VCK chief Thirumavalavan backs Udayanidhi's statement on 'Sanatana Dharma'; cites Ambedkar, Periyar|work=Deccan Herald|accessdate=3 September 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/sanatana-dharma-is-threat-to-democracy-thirumavalavan/article67308663.ece|title=Sanatana Dharma is threat to democracy: Thirumavalavan|work=The Hindu|accessdate=14 September 2023}}</ref> His remarks received widespread criticism from all over India. He made the statement on the backdrop of Tamil Nadu minister [[Udhayanidhi Stalin]]'s remarks on Sanatan dharma comparing it to "dengue and malaria".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/politics/news/sanatana-dharma-is-like-malaria-and-dengue-udhayanidhi-stalins-remark-sparks-huge-outcry-11693710506807.html|title='Sanatana dharma is like malaria and dengue..,' Udhayanidhi Stalin's remark sparks huge outcry|work=Livemint|accessdate=3 September 2023}}</ref>


==Notes==
==Notes==
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==References==
==References==
* {{cite book|title=Role of Regional Political Parties in India|last=Bhūẏām̐|first=Dāśarathi |year=2007|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sauMPCyhaXcC&q=thirumavalavan&pg=PA61|isbn=9788183241915|ref=Bhūẏām̐}}
* {{cite book|title=Role of Regional Political Parties in India|last=Bhūẏām̐|first=Dāśarathi |year=2007|publisher=Mittal Publications |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sauMPCyhaXcC&q=thirumavalavan&pg=PA61|isbn=9788183241915|ref=Bhūẏām̐}}
* {{cite book|title=Party System Change in South India: Political Entrepreneurs, Patterns and Processes|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V9RHlzMCiasC&q=thirumavalavan&pg=PA129|publisher=Routledge|year=2009|isbn=9780203862209|last=Wyatt|first=Andrew|ref=Wyatt}}
* {{cite book|title=Party System Change in South India: Political Entrepreneurs, Patterns and Processes|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V9RHlzMCiasC&q=thirumavalavan&pg=PA129|publisher=Routledge|year=2009|isbn=9780203862209|last=Wyatt|first=Andrew|ref=Wyatt}}


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* [http://ia.rediff.com/news/2006/mar/30tnpoll.htm Thirumavalavan not to contest polls]
* [http://ia.rediff.com/news/2006/mar/30tnpoll.htm Thirumavalavan not to contest polls]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071020045752/http://www.hindu.com/2007/10/18/stories/2007101858470600.htm Thirumavalavan invites minorities]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071020045752/http://www.hindu.com/2007/10/18/stories/2007101858470600.htm Thirumavalavan invites minorities]
* [https://www.facebook.com/thirumaofficial/ Official facebook]
* [https://www.facebook.com/thirumaofficial/ Official Facebook]
{{17th LS members from Tamil Nadu}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Thirumavalavan, Thol}}
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[[Category:Dalit activists]]
[[Category:Lok Sabha members from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Lok Sabha members from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:People from Ariyalur district]]
[[Category:People from Ariyalur district]]
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[[Category:1962 births]]
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[[Category:Dalit politicians]]
[[Category:India MPs 2019–2024]]
[[Category:17th Lok Sabha members]]
[[Category:India MPs 2024–2029]]
[[Category:Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance candidates in 2024 Indian general election]]

Latest revision as of 20:19, 23 February 2026


Thol. Thirumavalavan
Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha
Assumed office
23 May 2019
Preceded byM. Chandrakasi
ConstituencyChidambaram
In office
16 May 2009 – 16 May 2014
Preceded byE. Ponnuswamy
Succeeded byM. Chandrakasi
ConstituencyChidambaram
Member of Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly
In office
14 May 2001 – 3 February 2004
Chief MinisterJ. Jayalalithaa
Preceded byS. Puratchimani
Succeeded byC. V. Ganesan
ConstituencyMangalore
President of
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi
Assumed office
21 January 1990
Preceded byposition established
Personal details
Born (1962-08-17) 17 August 1962 (age 63)
Anganur, Tiruchirappalli district, Madras State
(now in Ariyalur district, Tamil Nadu), India
Political partyViduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (1982–present)
Other political
affiliations		Dalit Panthers (till 1982)
ResidenceAnganur, Tamil Nadu, India[1]
Alma materPresidency College, Chennai

Tholkappiyan Thirumavalavan (born Ramasamy Thirumavalavan on 17 August 1962), better known as Thol. Thirumavalavan, is an Indian politician and activist from Tamil Nadu. He is a member of parliament in the Lok Sabha representing Chidambaram. He is the leader and president of the political party Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi since 1990.

Thirumavalavan studied criminology and law, and worked for a time in the forensic department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. He rose to prominence in the 1990s as a bahujan leader, and his political platform centres on Ambedkarite and Dravidian philosophies, and ending caste-based discrimination and caste system. He is also a critic of Hindu nationalism, which he believes would homogenise Tamil society and lead to Tamils losing their identity. He has also expressed support for Tamil nationalist movements in Sri Lanka, including the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, a militant secessionist group banned in India. He has authored a few books, and also acted in few Tamil films.

Thirumavalavan contested the 1999 and 2004 Indian general elections unsuccessfully from the Chidambaram constituency. In between, he was elected as the member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in the 2001 assembly elections from Mangalore. Subsequently, he has won the 2009, 2019, and 2024 Indian general elections from Chidambaram, while losing in 2014. He also contested in the 2016 assembly elections from Kattumannarkoil and lost.

Thirumavalavan's confrontation with Pattali Makkal Katchi and its founder Ramadoss has resulted in frequent clashes between Dalits and the Vanniyars. While both of them reconciled their differences and worked together for a period in 2004 to 2009, when they were part of the same electoral alliance, both parties have often accused each other of instigating violence against the other community.

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

Thirumavalavan received his Bachelor's degree in Chemistry at Presidency college Chennai, and Master's degree in Criminology. He later pursued Law at Madras Law College.[citation needed] He was awarded his PhD by the Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in 2018, based on his thesis "Religious conversion of Meenakshipuram Dalits – a victimological study".[2]

Early activism[edit | edit source]

When he was studying at Madras Law College, Thirumavalavan got interested in the Sri Lankan Tamil nationalist movement, afte hearing to a speech of Suba Veerapandian, whom he met later.[citation needed]

In 1988, when working for the government's Forensic Department in the southern city of Madurai, he met Malaichamy, the Tamil Nadu state convenor of the Dalit Panthers Iyyakkam (DPI), an organisation that fought for the rights of Dalits.[citation needed] Following Malaichamy's death, Thirumalavan was elected as the leader of the DPI on 21 January 1990.[3][4] He designed a new flag for the party and changed its name to Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (Liberation Panthers Party). As part of his work, he began visiting Dalit villages in the Madurai region, and began learning about the problems faced by Dalits. According to him, the killing of two Dalits in the region in 1992, made him take up the fight for their cause.[5] His aggressive speeches gained him significant recognition.[6] Against the background of increasing Dalit participation in politics, he emerged as one of major Dalit leaders in Tamil Nadu, with a significant support base particularly in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu.[7] In early 1997, he was suspended from his government job on account of his increased political activity. He resigned from his job formally in August 1999.[8]

Political career[edit | edit source]

The DPI did not participate in the electoral process until the to contest the 1999 Indian general election. The decision of contesting the election in 1999 was considered controversial within the party.[9] Thirumavalavan allied with G. K. Moopanar's Tamil Maanila Congress as a part of an alternative front to the ones led by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), the two prominent parties in Tamil Nadu. The party contested in the Chidambaram and Perambalur parliamentary constituencies. Thirumavalavan lost from Chidambaram to E. Ponnuswamy from the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK). He later alleged in one of his interviews on 22 February 2000 that the ruling DMK administration used the police force to detain the cadres of his party.[9] It also led to the continued rivalry between his party and the PMK, which represented Dalits and Vanniyars respectively, and was marked by violence from both the parties.[9]

In the 2001 Tamil Nadu assembly elections, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) allied with the DMK and contested in seven seats. Since the PMK joined the AIADMK-led alliance, the VCK chose to join the opposite alliance. Though the DMK-led alliance also had the Bharathiya Janata Party (BJP), with which VCK had ideological differences and was criticised earlier by Thirumavalavan, he still joined the alliance. He was elected from Mangalore constituency to the legislative assembly, contesting on the symbol of the DMK.[10][11] He resigned his position from the assembly on 3 February 2004, citing difference with the alliance partners, especially the DMK.[12][13] He contested once again from Chidambaram in the 2004 general elections, in alliance with the Janata Dal (United), and lost to Ponnuswamy of the PMK again.[9]

In 2004, Thirumavalavan briefly joined hands with Ramadoss, the founder of PMK, in a Tamil language protection movement named "Tamil Paathukappu Iyakkam".[14] VCK later joined the AIADMK alliance for the 2006 assembly elections, and was recognised as a registered political party by the Election Commission of India on 2 March 2006.[15] VCK contested in nine seats in Tamil Nadu and two seats in Pondicherry, and won two seats.[16] The party broke the alliance with AIADMK in 2006, and allied with the DMK for the local elections, and won five municipalities. In the 2009 general election, Thirumavalavan allied with DMK and was elected to Lok Sabha in his third attempt from the Chidhambaram constituency.[14] On 31 August 2009, he was appointed to the committee on commerce and consultative committee on ministry of social justice and empowerment.[17]

Subsequently, he has won the 2019, and 2024 Indian general elections from Chidambaram, while losing in 2014. He also contested in the 2016 assembly elections from Kattumannarkoil and lost.[citation needed]

Positions held[edit | edit source]

Year Position Institution
2001–2004 Member Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly[18]
2009 Member 15th Lok Sabha[18]
2019 Member 17th Lok Sabha[18]
2024 Member 18th Lok Sabha[18]

Electoral Performance[edit | edit source]

General Elections[edit | edit source]

Year Constituency Party Votes % Opponent Opponent Party Opponent Votes % Result Margin %
2024 Chidambaram VCK 505,084 43.28 M. Chandrahasan AIADMK 401,530 34.40 Won 103,554 8.68
2019 500,229 43.52 P. Chandrasekar 497,010 43.24 Won 3,219 0.28
2014 301,041 27.97 M. Chandrakasi 429,536 39.91 Lost −128,495 −11.94
2009 428,804 49.30 E. Ponnuswamy PMK 329,721 37.96 Won 99,083 11.41
2004 JD(U) 255,773 34.41 343,424 46.20 Lost −87,651 −11.79
1999 Tamil Maanila Congress 225,768 31.17 345,331 47.68 Lost −119,563 −16.51

Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly[edit | edit source]

Year Constituency Party Votes % Opponent Opponent Party Opponent Votes % Result Margin %
2016 Kattumannarkoil VCK 48,363 29.28 N. Murugumaran AIADMK 48,450 29.33 Lost −87 −0.05
2001 Mangaloree DMK 64,627 47.87 S. Puratchimani Tamil Maanila Congress 62,772 46.49 Won 1,855 1.37

Political views[edit | edit source]

Thirumalavan's politics are based on Ambedkarite and Dravidian philosophies, and a retheorization of Tamil nationalism, which seeks to end the caste system.[19] As per him, the oppression of Dalits is institutionalised in India, and although the Dravidian parties, which dominate the politics of Tamil Nadu, are ideologically against the caste system, he argues that they have in practice drifted away from the original ideals of the Dravidian movement. Their policies, he says, have mainly benefited the backward class, has led to an increase in the oppression of Dalits, with these castes replacing the Brahmins as the oppressor, and Dalits cannot not expect much help from these parties. The solution, according to him, lies in Tamil nationalism, and the caste oppression can only be ended by building resistance from below, through appealing to Tamil sentiments, as happened in the early days of the Dravidian movement under Periyar.[7] He says that the caste oppression will disappear if a Tamil nationalist government is formed in Tamil Nadu.[19] In 2009, he welcomed an announcement of the state government to implement a three percent reservation in educationall institutes for the Dalits.[20]

Thirumavalavan's views have led him to support the Tamil secessionist groups in Sri Lanka, including the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, a militant secessionist group who are formally banned as a terrorist organisation in India.[5] He has criticised India for assisting the Sri Lankan army during the Sri Lankan military operations against the LTTE, and has called upon the Tamil Nadu state government to take steps to safeguard the interest of Sri Lankan Tamils.[21] On 15 January 2009, he went on a hunger strike in Chennai for the cause of Sri Lankan Tamils.[22] After four days, he called off the fast, saying that it had had no effect on the Indian government, and calling for a hartal in its place.[23] He was later part of a ten member team that visited the war-affected areas and transitional centres in Vavuniya on 11 October 2009. The delegation visited various parts of Jaffna district and held a meeting at the Jaffna Public Library.[24]

Thirumavalvan has criticised the Hindu society for, in his views, being built on the basis of caste and obeying the Manusmriti.[25] He is a staunch critic of Hindu nationalism and Hindutva, which according to him, is the essence of the oppressive Indian state.[19] He argues that Hindutva has worked to homogenise Tamil society through religion, which has led to Tamils losing their identity, and rthnic Tamil nationalism is essential to combat this.[7][19] He has opposed the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh for their agenda, and opposed the Citizenship Amendment Act in 2019. He views these organizations and their ideology as being against the ideas of secularism and social justice, and the idea of a Hindu Rashtra goes against the Indian Constitution and would lead to continuation of caste hierarchies.[26] He believes that Sanatan Dharma rejects equality, freedom and brotherhood,[27] and these organisations want to divide people on religious lines to implement the Manu Dharma.[28] In 2021, he claimed that it is his policy to expose to people, the intentions of the BJP which seeks to gain political advantage by cultivating casteism in Tamil soil, inciting religious hatred and division.[29]

Film career[edit | edit source]

Thirumavalavan made a guest appearance as a Tamil militant leader in the Sri Lankan Tamil film Anbu Thozhi (2007), directed by L. G. Ravichandran.[5][30] He was cast in the lead role of a film titled Kalaham, directed by Kalanjiyam, which was later shelved.[5][31] He also appeared in a song in Mansoor Ali Khan's Ennai Paar Yogam Varum (2007).[32] In 2011, he played the role of a politician in Minsaram.[33]

Filmography[edit | edit source]

Year Film Role Notes Ref(s)
2007 Anbu Thozhi Karuppu Guest appearance [30]
2007 Ennai Paar Yogam Varum Singer Special appearance [32]
2011 Minsaram Thamizharasan Chief Minister Role [33]

Works[edit | edit source]

  • Aththumeeru (Transgress), Tamizhargal Hindukkala? (Are the Tamils, Hindus?)
  • Eelam Enral Puligal, Puligal Enral Eelam (Eelam means Tigers, Tigers means Eelam)
  • Hindutuvathai Veraruppom (We Shall Uproot Hindutva)
  • Saadhiya Sandharpavaadha Aniyai Veezhtuvom (We Shall Defeat the Casteist Opportunist Alliance).
  • Two of his books have been published in English by Stree-Samya Books, Kolkata: Talisman: Extreme Emotions of Dalit Liberation (political essays written for 34 weeks in the India Today magazine's Tamil edition)[7] and Uproot Hindutva: The Fiery Voice of the Liberation Panthers (contains 12 of his speeches).[19]
  • In 2018, he released a book Amaipai Thiralvom based on his political experiences which received warm welcome, positive reviews and also criticism from various Intellectual sources[34]

Controversies[edit | edit source]

In northern Tamil Nadu, which has a significant Vanniyar population, there have been frequent clashes between the Dalits and Vanniyars. Thirumavalavan has often blamed PMK and its founder Ramadoss of instigating violence among the Vanniyars that result in the attack of Dalits. Meanwhile, as Ramadoss alleged that Thirumavalavan encourages his party men to perform inter-caste marriages, Thirumavalavan has accused Ramadoss of showing caste superiority and instigating violence against Dalits. Though they were part of the same alliance fromf 2004 to 2009, the mutual confrontation started again after the split.[35]

During December 2012, Ramadoss formed an all community safeguard forum comprising 51 intermediate castes. He said he would not have any further alliance with Thirumavalavan and his party. He alleged that the Dalits take undue advantage over other communities using the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act and the Act should be abolished.[36][37] During April 2013, after the party conference of PMK in Mahabalipuram, there were widespread attacks on the Dalits in Dharmapuri district that resulted in two Dalits being killed. Both PMK and VCK accused each other for the mishap, but Ramadoss was arrested after the orders from the state government for the hate speech and damages to the state property during the violence.[38] Thirumavalavan accused Ramadoss that his loss in the electoral base after the 2009 general elections and 2011 assembly elections has resulted in his going back to instigating caste violence.[39][40]

The BSP was floated in Tamil Nadu in December 2008 with the same ideology as in Uttar Pradesh to unite the Dalits and Brahmins. Some of the prominent members of VCK like Selvaperunthagai, who was a MLA in Mangalore constituency, joined BSP. Thirumavalavan, in his response, claimed that the BSP is no threat to VCK vote bank and that the BSP has dumped the principles of Ambedkar, Kanshi Ram and Periyar.[41] Some of the senior journalists also believed that BSP will not have a firm hold in Tamil Nadu to garner the 19% Dalit vote bank in Tamil Nadu as it did in Uttar Pradesh, as the vote bank is already split by the VCK and Puthia Tamizhagam party.[42]

The VCK, in a plan to start a television channel, asked the party men to donate gold on the occasion of the 50th birthday of Thirumavalavan. There were also Thulabaram type of functions where equal weight of Thirmavalavan was donated. This was subject to wider criticism, drawing parallels with the exotic celebrations organised by Mayawati, the leader of BSP in Uttar Pradesh. Thirumavalavan clarified that the idea was to collect donations for the party and that his party did not enjoy support from rich people as with the case of other parties. As of 4 October 2012, the party got 10 kg (22 lb) of gold from seven centres that included Puducherry that had 1.5 kg (3.3 lb).[43][44][45]

An altered video of a webinar from September 2020 in which Thirumavalavan was mentioning certain portions from Manusmriti on the status of women and their role created a controversy where he allegedly said that the Manusmriti treated all women as prostitutes.[46] As soon as the video gained steam, BJP members condemned his statements and claimed that Thirumavalavan had insulted women by referring to them as prostitutes. Thirumavalavan, however, claimed that he was not demeaning women but emancipating them and that he was merely quoting great leaders. The Chennai city police registered a case against Thirumavalavan for over his comment on Manusmriti on 23 October 2020, based on a complaint by BJP legal cell state secretary.[47] The VCK cadre across Tamil Nadu staged protests,[48] after the call for protests by Thirumavalavan urging the state and union government to ban Manusmriti on 24 October 2020 saying that the Manusmriti degrades Dalits, indigenous people, women and backward castes and spreads hate on them.[49] During the protests, he claimed that a few groups edited out five minutes from the forty minute video and claimed that he was demeaning women and the Hindutva groups are circulating the false message against him.[50]

In September 2023, Thirumavalavan made derogatory remarks on Sanatan Dharma by calling it a contagious disease and a threat to democracy. He also called for its annihilation.[51][52] His remarks received widespread criticism from all over India. He made the statement on the backdrop of Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin's remarks on Sanatan dharma comparing it to "dengue and malaria".[53]

Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Members : Lok Sabha". loksabhaph.nic.in. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
  2. ↑ "Thol.Thirumavalan was awarded Doctorate degree by Manonmanium Sundaranar University". Vikatan. 24 August 2018. Retrieved 1 June 2020.
  3. ↑ "Conversion weakens our nos., says TN's dalit face Thol Thirumavalavan". The Economic Times. 29 April 2016. Archived from the original on 5 May 2016. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  4. ↑ "Thol Thirumavalavan has a Way for Dravidian Parties to Keep BJP at Bay". The Wire. Archived from the original on 31 December 2020. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Mathai, Kamini (3 February 2008). "Poster boy". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 30 January 2009.
  6. ↑ Gorringe, Hugo (2005). Untouchable citizens: Dalit movements and democratisation in Tamil Nadu. New Delhi; Thousand Oaks, California: Sage Publications. ISBN 978-81-7829-448-3.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Viswanathan, S. (1 June 2004). "Voice of the oppressed". The Hindu. Retrieved 30 January 2009.
  8. ↑ Wyatt 2009, p. 129
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Wyatt 2009, pp. 118–119
  10. ↑ Wyatt 2009, p. 120
  11. ↑ "Assembly Elections – 2001" (PDF). Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. 2001. p. 23. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
  12. ↑ "Tirumavalavan quits Assembly membership". The Hindu. 4 February 2004. Archived from the original on 24 March 2004. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
  13. ↑ Bhūẏām̐ 2007, pp. 60–61
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Wyatt 2009, pp. 122–123
  15. ↑ Wyatt 2009, p. 116
  16. ↑ "State Elections 2006 Winners Details for Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi in Tamil Nadu". Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. 2006. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
  17. ↑ "Thirumavalavan, biography". Parliament of India. National Informatics Centre. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 "Member Detail -Lok Sabha". Lok Sabha.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 19.4 Nambath, Suresh (10 May 2005). "Politicisation of identity". The Hindu. Chennai, India. Retrieved 30 January 2009.
  20. ↑ "Ambedkar award for Karunanidhi". The Hindu. 20 February 2010.
  21. ↑ "Decide boldly on Sri Lanka, Thirumavalavan tells CM". The New Indian Express. 6 January 2009. Retrieved 31 January 2009.
  22. ↑ "Thol Thirumavalavan begins indefinite fast". The Times of India. 16 January 2009. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
  23. ↑ Kolappan, B. (19 January 2009). "Thirumavalavan calls off fast". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 22 January 2009. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
  24. ↑ "Indian MPs visit transitional Centers in Vavuniya and visit to Jaffna District". Northern Provincial Council, Government of Sri Lanka. 12 October 2009. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
  25. ↑ Thirumurthy, Priyanka (28 October 2020). "Thol Thirumavalavan interview: 'Manusmriti is practiced in all walks of life'". The News Minute. Retrieved 29 March 2021. Manusmriti is practiced in all walks of life. From the time a child is born, they are fed caste identity and taught their caste rituals. From what they wear to what they eat, from their relationships to marriage and finally their last rites, it is Manusmriti that is being practiced. How can you say it is not relevant?
  26. ↑ "'Ambedkarite Parties Must Oppose CAA': Thol Thirumavalavan Speaks to The Wire". The Wire. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
  27. ↑ "DMK-led alliance sounds battle cry against 'Sanatan forces'". The Times of India. 24 January 2019.
  28. ↑ "'Sanatana forces divide people to implement Manu dharma'". The Hindu. 15 September 2021.
  29. ↑ "'சனாதனத்தை வேரறுப்போம், ஜனநாயகத்தை பாதுகாப்போம்!' – தொல்.திருமாவளவன்". Vikatan. 26 March 2021. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 "Dalit leader bags leading role in Tamil film". Daily News and Analysis. 21 June 2007. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
  31. ↑ "Bitten by acting bug is Thiruma". IndiaGlitz.com. 11 June 2007. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 "Release after a long wait - Ennai Par Yogam Varum". IndiaGlitz. 29 June 2007. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 "The CM in Minsaram". Behindwoods. 7 February 2011. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
  34. ↑ "Amaipai Thiralvom book written by Dr.Thol.Thirumavalavan". 27 February 2018.
  35. ↑ "Thirumavalavan allegation baseless: Ramadoss". The Hindu. 18 November 2012. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
  36. ↑ "Brahmins support new Forum, says Ramadoss". The Indian Express. Coimbatore. 22 December 2012. Archived from the original on 18 December 2013. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
  37. ↑ K.S., Durairasu (10 December 2012). "Ramadoss's caste cauldron reheats anti-Dalit call". India Today. Chennai. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
  38. ↑ "CM blames Ramadoss for caste clash, warns of action". The Times of India. Chennai. 30 April 2013. Archived from the original on 5 June 2013. Retrieved 30 November 2013."Six VCK cadres get jail term for murder of PMK man". The Times of India. Chennai. 3 February 2016. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
  39. ↑ "Thirumavalavan calls for action against Ramadoss". The Hindu. Chennai. 28 April 2013. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
  40. ↑ B., Jothi Ramalingam (31 May 2013). "A dangerous strategy". Frontline. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
  41. ↑ PC, Vinoj Kumar (15 December 2008). "The Elephant's March into Dravidian Land". Tehelka. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
  42. ↑ Ram, Arun (23 December 2008). "TN terrain may not be easy road for Mayawati". The Times of India. Chennai. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 30 December 2013.
  43. ↑ Dasgupta, Debarishi (16 July 2012). "Give us our remote". Outlook. Tamil Nadu. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
  44. ↑ "Coin 'Thulabaram' for Thirumavalavan". The New Indian Express. Puducherry. 4 October 2012. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 30 December 2013.
  45. ↑ "Coin Thulabaram for Thirumavalavan". CNN-IBN. 6 October 2012. Archived from the original on 7 October 2012. Retrieved 30 December 2013.
  46. ↑ "Tamil Nadu police register a case against Thol. Thirumavalavan for his 'degrading' remarks against women and Manusmiriti on the basis of a 'doctored video'". 24 October 2020.
  47. ↑ "Manusmriti row: VCK leader Thirumavalavan booked for comment". 24 October 2020.
  48. ↑ "VCK-Led Protests Erupt in Tamil Nadu Seeking a Ban on Manusmriti". 27 October 2020.
  49. ↑ "VCK calls for State-wide protest demanding ban on Manusmriti". The Hindu. 23 October 2020.
  50. ↑ "VCK protests in Tamil Nadu seeking ban on Manusmriti". 24 October 2020.
  51. ↑ "VCK chief Thirumavalavan backs Udayanidhi's statement on 'Sanatana Dharma'; cites Ambedkar, Periyar". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 3 September 2023.
  52. ↑ "Sanatana Dharma is threat to democracy: Thirumavalavan". The Hindu. Retrieved 14 September 2023.
  53. ↑ "'Sanatana dharma is like malaria and dengue..,' Udhayanidhi Stalin's remark sparks huge outcry". Livemint. Retrieved 3 September 2023.

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

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