Historic Milestones
1972
In Maharashtra, the Dalit Panthers of India (DPI) movement was founded by J. V. Pawar, Namdeo Dhasal, and Raja Dhale.
1977
A split from Dalit Panthers of India (DPI) led to the formation of the Bharatiya Dalit Panthers (BDP), founded by Ramdas Athawale and others.
1982
The Dalit Panthers Iyyakam (DPI) was launched in Tamil Nadu as the state unit of BDP, founded by A. Malaichamy.
1988
A pivotal meeting occurs between A. Malaichamy and R. Thirumavalavan who was then serving as a Government Forensic Officer.
14 September 1989
The demise of A. Malaichamy.
21 January 1990
On 21 January 1990 R. Thirumavalavan assumed charge as the leader of DPI. The movement was renamed Viduthalai Chiruthaigal.
11 September 1999
VCK enters the electoral arena for the first time. Contesting in the Chidambaram Parliamentary constituency in alliance with TMC (Moopanar), Thiru R. Thirumavalavan secures a remarkable 2,25,768 votes.
2001
R. Thirumavalavan is elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from the Mangalore constituency.
2002
In a symbolic act of resistance against the state's Anti-Conversion Act, party members adopted pure Tamil names, moving away from Hindu names. The leader R. Thirumavalavan adopted the name Thol. Thirumavalavan.
2004
Thol. Thirumavalavan resigns from his position as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA).
2006
VCK joins the AIADMK alliance for the Assembly General Elections and secures victory in two constituencies.
2009
In the DMK alliance, Thol. Thirumavalavan contested and won the Chidambaram Parliamentary constituency with a massive victory margin of 1 lakh votes.
2013
VCK expands its footprint beyond Tamil Nadu, launching the movement in Andhra Pradesh under the name 'Vimuktha Chiruthalu'.
2016
VCK's official television channel "Velicham TV" was launched by Thol. Thirumavalavan.
2018
Publication of the book "Amaippaai Thiruvom" authored by Ezhuchi Thamizhar.
2019
As part of the Secular Progressive Alliance, VCK wins two Parliamentary seats in the Parliamentary election. Ezhuchi Thamizhar Thol. Thirumavalavan won from Chidambaram constituency.
2020
VCK organised a massive statewide protest demanding a ban on the Manusmriti, challenging Sanatana ideologies.
2021
In the Tamil Nadu Assembly election, as part of the DMK alliance, VCK won four seats (including two reserved constituencies and two general constituencies).
2024
In the Parliamentary election, as part of the Secular Progressive Alliance, VCK won two constituencies; Ezhuchi Thamizhar won from Chidambaram constituency. Following consistent electoral success, the Election Commission of India officially recognizes Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi as a State Party in Tamil Nadu. Marking the pinnacle of Ezhuchi Thamizhar's 34-year political journey, the "Pot" symbol is assigned as the party's permanent and official symbol.
