கட்சி பற்றி
From a movement of resistance to a mighty political force — the story of Tamil Nadu's Liberation Panthers.
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) — the Liberation Panthers Party — is Tamil Nadu's foremost Dalit political party. Its name translates to "Liberation Panther" — a powerful symbol of strength, resistance, and freedom.
Founded on the ideals of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the party stands as the strongest voice against caste-based discrimination and for the political empowerment of Tamil Nadu's most marginalised communities.
VCK unites Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and religious minorities under a single banner of dignity, equality, and justice.
"சாதி ஒழிப்பே நம் இலக்கு; சமத்துவமே நம் பாதை."
— Abolition of caste is our goal; equality is our path.
Rooted in Dr. Ambedkar's vision of liberty, equality and fraternity
Inspired by Periyar's rationalism and anti-caste social reform
Pioneer who fought for temple entry, land rights and education access
South India's first anti-caste revolutionary and pioneering journalist
வரலாறு
Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Founded in Madurai by Dr. K. Krishnaswamy to protect Dalits from caste-based violence and atrocities. Inspired by Dr. Ambedkar's teachings and the Black Panther movement, it became a formidable grassroots force across Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu
Following the death of the founder, the movement was renamed Viduthalai Chiruthaigal (Liberation Panthers). Thol. Thirumavalavan assumed leadership and began steering the organisation toward political participation.
Tamil Nadu Legislative & Parliamentary Elections
VCK entered electoral politics as a formal political party — the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi — contesting elections for the first time and establishing itself as a serious electoral force representing Dalit communities.
Tamil Nadu
Thol. Thirumavalavan won the Mangalore assembly constituency — VCK's first MLA victory. The party grew into a major coalition partner in Tamil Nadu politics, allying with DMK to ensure Dalit voices were heard in government.
Election Commission of India
VCK won 2 Lok Sabha seats — Chidambaram (Thol. Thirumavalavan) and Villupuram — and received official State Party recognition from the Election Commission of India, a landmark achievement cementing VCK's stature in Tamil Nadu politics.
DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance
VCK fields 8 candidates across Tamil Nadu as part of the DMK-led INDIA alliance for the April 23, 2026 assembly elections — contesting in Kattumannarkoil, Cheyyur, Thiruporur, Arakkonam, Tindivanam, Periyakulam, Kallakurichi and Panruti.
கட்சி சின்னங்கள்
நீல நட்சத்திரம்
The five-pointed blue star represents hope, guidance and the aspiration for a bright future for all marginalised communities of Tamil Nadu.
மண் கலசம்
The earthen pot symbolises the toiling masses, the working poor, and the dignity of manual labour. It represents VCK's connection to Tamil Nadu's grassroots communities.