When the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), the pole-sitting Dalit party in Tamil Nadu, announced its comical anti-liquor conference, many felt that it was just a gambit to put early pressure on the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) keeping in mind the 2026 state elections and seek more seats to contest from its ally.

Though the demand for a share in power proved to be a storm in a tea cup with VCK president Thirumavalavan on Tuesday making it clear that there is no dissonance in the DMK alliance, the issue has ignited a debate putting the DMK on the defensive.

Recently, a leader from DMK's allied party has been vocal about his belief that the political future of Tamil Nadu lies in power-sharing, which includes a ministerial position for VCK in the Chief Minister's Cabinet.