In an exclusive interview with Behindwoods, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi chief Thol Thirumavalavan clarified why he was opposed to the Periyar Award to AIADMK politician B Valarmathi. The VCK leader said that he opposed the government’s decision as Valarmathi had followed the customs of Hinduism while Periyar opposed them. However, when told that Valarmathi revealed she had inter-caste marriage in her family, Thirumavalavan said, “I don’t know about the inter-caste marriage, but if it was based on Periyarism, then I accept the Periyar Award to her.”