The leader of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and Chidambaram Member of Parliament, Thol. Thirumavalavan, met reporters at Tiruchirappalli airport. Speaking then, he said,
"The passing of Thenisai Thendral Deva is deeply saddening. He made a mark for himself in the film world and rose to great heights. He showed me personal affection. He took part in my birthday celebration and sang congratulatory songs. His loss is not only a loss to the art world, but a huge loss to the entire Tamil community. The title song for Superstar Rajinikanth was created by him. Even today, it is being used for Rajinikanth. I express my deepest condolences to his son, music director Srikanth Deva, and to his family members and those associated with the film industry. The rise in prices has greatly affected ordinary people. In particular, if the price of rice rises, ordinary poor and middle-class people will be severely affected. Therefore, the government should pay attention to this. I urge that appropriate measures be taken to control the rise in prices. Not only the state government, but also the Union Government of India must take responsibility for the rise in the prices of essential commodities. The rise in petrol and diesel prices is a major reason for this. Both the Union Government and the state government should take appropriate steps to control inflation, taking into account the views of ordinary people. It cannot be said that only a particular government or rulers are responsible for the rise in prices. I consider blaming them to be motivated by ulterior intent. However, although various factors such as the rise in petrol and diesel prices in the global market are behind this, the responsibility to control the rise in the prices of essential goods, including rice used in daily life, lies with the rulers. In particular, with the Union Government of India and the state government. The expectation is that if they take proper efforts, the rise in prices can be controlled. There is no water in any of the dams. But you ask whether the Chief Minister is meeting eight Chief Ministers, including those of Andhra and Karnataka. The absence of water is not permanent. Rain may come in between. Water may come. It is a long-term plan. River linking is a long-term project. Environmental activists say that the possible side effects of such a link would affect the natural course of nature. One can speak either in support of it or against it. You are asking about the seizure of narcotics worth Rs. 220 crore by a TVK functionary. Appropriate action should be taken against that."
It is well known that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam led a large-scale protest against delimitation and registered its opposition in both Houses of Parliament. Now, there is information that the BJP government is trying to convene a special session of Parliament to secure approval for this law.
In this situation, the DMK’s parliamentary members’ consultative meeting is being held. We believe they will remain firm in the same position they have already taken. At present, the number of existing Members of Parliament should be maintained as it is. Increasing that number in any way is not in the interests of the nation. It is not in the interests of democracy—that is our position," he said.