Thirumavalavan's Bombshell — "I Won't Contest Trichy East; But I Can Become Deputy CM Without Being an MLA"

VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan announced on Monday that he will not contest the Tiruchirappalli East Assembly bypoll, vacated by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.

"I am saying this 100 per cent — I will not contest in any by-elections, nor will I be influenced by anyone," Thirumavalavan told reporters.

He confirmed that TVK had indeed extended an invitation for him to join the Council of Ministers, but said he had politely declined. "I have conveyed my decision and thanked the Chief Minister for the confidence shown in me."

However, Thirumavalavan left the door open to a ministerial role through a non-legislative route. "Even if I am not an MLA, I can still become a member of the Council of Ministers," he said — a provision that allows a non-legislator to be a minister for up to six months, after which a legislative seat must be secured.

The disclosure confirms that CM Vijay had actively sought to bring Thirumavalavan into the cabinet, reflecting TVK's reliance on the VCK's 10-seat bloc and the Dalit social justice constituency.