In a significant move to bolster its grassroots presence, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) has nearly completed an 18-month-long organizational overhaul. The party, led by President Thol Thirumavalavan, has expanded its framework to establish a dedicated district unit for each of the 234 assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu.
A New Structure for Grassroots Strength
The ambitious expansion marks a pivotal shift in the VCK's organizational strategy. Appointments for 144 district units have already been made in phases starting from 2024. The remaining 90 units will see their office-bearers announced by Thol Thirumavalavan on January 3, 2025. Party leaders state the primary goal is to fortify the organization at the base level and create more leadership opportunities for its functionaries.
This growth is part of a steady two-decade expansion. In the early 2010s, VCK had only 32 district units. This number doubled to 64 by 2013 as the party widened its reach across the state. This organizational momentum, coupled with its electoral gains, culminated in the Election Commission recognizing VCK as a state party in January 2025, solidifying its role as a key partner in the DMK-led Secular Progressive Front.
Independent Units and Leadership Pipeline
M Sinthanai Selvan, the party's General Secretary, highlighted the uniqueness of the new system. "VCK will be the only party in the country to have every assembly segment functioning as a district unit", he said. These units will operate independently while maintaining direct communication with the party president and general secretaries. Selvan added that this structure is designed to identify and nurture young, promising leaders in every constituency.
Under the revamped framework, each district unit will be managed by five office-bearers: a district secretary, two assistant district secretaries, a treasurer, and a media coordinator. This brings 1,170 members into active organizational roles with clear responsibilities. The leadership has also committed to ensuring adequate representation for youth and women in these positions.
Addressing Aspirations and Future Elections
To oversee the district units, the VCK will form three-member zonal committees for each Lok Sabha constituency. General Secretary D Ravikumar explained that the restructuring helps manage the aspirations of party workers, especially since the party contests a limited number of seats in alliances. "District-level postings will help groom potential candidates and future leaders", Ravikumar stated.
The selection process was rigorous, with the party scrutinizing nearly 27,000 applications before appointing district office-bearers for a three-year term. Looking ahead, Ravikumar revealed that elections for these posts will be introduced gradually. The process will begin with the 96 district units whose tenure concludes in June 2025.
This comprehensive restructuring positions the VCK with a deeper, more responsive organizational network across Tamil Nadu, aiming to secure its long-term political influence and leadership development.
