Several former AIADMK MLAs, cadres join TVK in Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram, July 2
Several MLAs and party cadres who had recently resigned from the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Thursday formally joined the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in Mahabalipuram.
The joining ceremony was held at a private hotel in Mahabalipuram, where senior leaders from the AIADMK defected to TVK, marking a significant political shift in Tamil Nadu.
Those who joined TVK include former AIADMK ministers C Vijayabaskar, M R Vijayabaskar, MSM Anandan and Valarmathi.
Several district secretaries also joined the party, including Pudukottai district secretary Vairamuthu, Perambalur district secretary Ilamai Tamizhselvan, Orathanadu district secretary Sekar, and former Tiruchirappalli Deputy Mayor Srinivasan.
Former MLAs who joined TVK include Manraj (Srivilliputhur), Ramkumar (Kumbakonam), Rajavarman (Tiruchuli), Sadhan Prabhakar (Paramakudi), Thirugnanasambandam (Peravurani), Sundararajan (Sankagiri) and Ramachandran (Sivaganga).
Speaking at the joining event Tamil Nadu Minister and former AIADMK stalwart Sengottiyan sais," When I was thrown out of my party our leader made me as minister now. He is a way for those who have no way and path. He is a great leader. You (AIADMK cadres ) all were felt bad when AIADMK tried to make an alliance with DMK, the enemy of AIADMK. There is no betrayal here but it's there ( AIADMK ). You all have come where a great leadership is there. Our leader is a permanent CM. "
Meanwhile, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Kanimozhi took a dig at political developments in Tamil Nadu, referring to what she described as a "washing machine" model of politics being adopted in the state.
In a post on X, she drew parallels with political strategies used earlier in northern India and questioned whether similar trends were now emerging in Tamil Nadu.
"I heard that a 'washing machine' of the kind the BJP used to employ in the North has now arrived in Tamil Nadu too. They say this new Tamil Nadu model machine can even wash away gutka stains... Is that true?" she said.
With this development, TVK is expected to witness a notable political boost as experienced leaders from a major regional party join its ranks ahead of its next phase of organisational expansion.
The 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections marked a historic shift in state politics as TVK won 108 seats in its debut election, ending the decades-long dominance of the DMK and AIADMK formations.
Following the Victory, Vijay assumed charge at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat in Chennai shortly after taking the oath as the 13th Chief Minister of the state.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Sengottiyan's quote is quite revealing – "He is a way for those who have no way." That's the whole problem with personality cults in Indian politics. People follow a leader, not a vision. These defections may boost TVK temporarily, but will they deliver real governance?
Kanimozhi's "washing machine" comment is classic! 😄 But let's be honest – DMK and AIADMK have been doing this same dance for years. TVK absorbing disgruntled leaders from both sides is just the normal Tamil Nadu political churn. The 2026 results show people want change, but at what cost?
Just what Tamil Nadu needs – more MLAs switching parties mid-term. People voted for AIADMK candidates, not TVK. This is a betrayal of the electorate's trust. Sengottiyan should remember that he himself was part of AIADMK before, so calling them "enemy" feels hypocritical.
Interesting to see former ministers like Vijayabaskar and Valarmathi joining TVK. In Indian politics, defections are always about survival. But if Vijay can build TVK into a stable alternative to DMK and AIADMK, maybe this flux is worth it? Time will tell. 🤔
The "washing machine" analogy from Kanimozhi is spot on, but it's a bit rich coming from DMK which has its own history of alliances with everyone. At least TVK is offering a fresh option after decades of two-family rule. However, absorbing so many old guards risks becoming just another club of power seekers.