In a significant political development, three prominent former ministers of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) are slated to join the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. The induction of Dr. C. Vijayabaskar, M.R. Vijayabaskar, and M.S.M. Anandan is scheduled for a major party event in Mamallapuram, located approximately 57 kilometers from Chennai.
High-Profile Defections Reshape Political Landscape
The defections represent a fresh blow to the AIADMK and a considerable boost for the TVK, as Chief Minister Vijay continues to consolidate his party's influence. Hundreds of supporters from Pudukkottai and Karur districts have already arrived in Mamallapuram to participate in the induction ceremony, underscoring the scale of this political movement.
Dr. C. Vijayabaskar, a former health minister, stated that his decision to join the TVK was not impulsive. He emphasized that the move followed extensive consultations with his supporters, district office-bearers, and constituents from his Viralimalai Assembly constituency. Vijayabaskar attributed his departure from AIADMK to what he described as the current leadership's "wrong decisions," indicating a desire for political change.
Ministers Express Dissatisfaction and Confidence in TVK
M.R. Vijayabaskar, who previously served as transport minister, is also expected to join the TVK alongside his numerous supporters from Karur. Similarly, M.S.M. Anandan, a veteran who spent 45 years with the AIADMK, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the party's present leadership. Anandan accused AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami of transforming the party into a "self-centered" organization that disregards the dedication and hard work of loyal cadres.
Anandan voiced strong confidence in Chief Minister Vijay's leadership and the TVK's capacity to deliver effective governance for the next five years, asserting that he sees the future of Tamil Nadu politics within the TVK. He firmly rejected any allegations of horse-trading, stating that he and others are joining voluntarily, driven by their belief in the party's movement rather than any "external pressure or corrupt influence."
Broader Political Shifts and Allegations
Beyond the three former ministers, other notable figures are also expected to join the TVK, including Valarmathi from Tiruchirappalli and district secretaries P.K. Vairamuthu, Ilambai Tamilselvan, Orathanadu Sekar, and Trichy Srinivasan. These widespread defections highlight a significant realignment within Tamil Nadu's political sphere.
These developments unfold amidst recent allegations made by TVK minister R. Nirmal Kumar, who claimed that the DMK leadership attempted to entice TVK legislators through horse-trading. Kumar reported that three individuals were arrested after a TVK MLA alleged he was offered ₹35 crore for "cooperation" during a proposed Assembly resolution. According to police, the accused contacted TVK MLA N. Ilayaraja, who rejected the offer and was subsequently threatened. Kumar also alleged that both the DMK and AIADMK leaderships have been attempting to form a government via "short-cut" methods for the past 40 days, intensifying the political confrontation in the state.