300 AIADMK Leaders Join Vijay's TVK, Citing Dissatisfaction Within Party

A Month after the assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, more than 300 members of the AIADMK have officially joined the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the party led by actor-turned-politician Vijay.

The induction ceremony took place at the party headquarters in Panaiyur, near Chennai, on Saturday. The event marked one of the largest defections from AIADMK to TVK since the latter's emergence as a political force in the state.

Several former ministers, former MLAs, district-level leaders, and party functionaries were among those who switched allegiance.

Senior AIADMK Leaders Join TVK

Among the prominent leaders who joined TVK were former AIADMK minister Vellamandi Natarajan, former minister Anandan, former Mylapore MLA Natraj, former Paramakudi MLA Sadhan Prabhakar, Anna Trade Union Federation State Secretary Kamalakkannan, and Tirupathur City Secretary D.T. Kumar.

The leaders formally joined the party in the presence of senior TVK leaders and ministers, including General Secretary N. Anand, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Sengottaiyan, and Public Works Minister Aadhav Arjuna.

The new entrants said they felt restricted within AIADMK and believed they could serve the public more effectively through TVK.

Leaders Cite Dissatisfaction Within AIADMK

Many of the leaders who switched parties said they had faced difficulties working within AIADMK after the passing of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.

According to them, internal challenges and organisational issues made it difficult to connect with people and carry out public service effectively.

They said their move was driven by a desire to remain politically active and contribute more meaningfully to society.

'We See MGR And Jayalalithaa's Ideals In Vijay'

Former minister and senior leader Udumalai Radhakrishnan, who also joined TVK, explained the reasons behind the decision.

He said that several experienced AIADMK leaders, including Trichy N.R. Sivapathi, Kadambur Raju, M.C. Sampath, Panneerselvam, Govindasamy and Kolathur Krishnamoorthy, had also decided to align themselves with Vijay's party.

Radhakrishnan recalled the disciplined structure of AIADMK during Jayalalithaa's leadership and described her death as a major loss for the organisation.

He stated that many leaders remained with AIADMK for years after her passing but found it increasingly difficult to work effectively.

According to him, they now see the principles and values associated with former Chief Ministers M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) and Jayalalithaa reflected in Vijay's leadership style.
He said the respect and recognition they received from TVK leadership played a major role in their decision to join the party.

Focus On Local Body Elections

The newly inducted leaders said they are committed to strengthening TVK at the grassroots level and helping the party expand its reach across Tamil Nadu.

Radhakrishnan stated that they would work wholeheartedly for the party and support the younger generation of leaders emerging within TVK.

He also indicated that the group's immediate focus would be the upcoming local body elections, where they hope to help TVK establish a stronger presence.

The leaders pledged to follow party discipline and carry out any responsibilities assigned by the leadership.

More Leaders May Follow

According to those who joined TVK, many more district-level leaders and AIADMK functionaries are expected to switch sides in the coming months.

Some leaders described their departure from AIADMK as a relief after years of dissatisfaction and uncertainty within the party.

If more defections follow, the development could significantly reshape Tamil Nadu's political landscape and strengthen TVK's position as it prepares for future electoral battles.

A Growing Challenge For AIADMK

The mass joining comes at a time when TVK is working to establish itself as a serious political alternative in Tamil Nadu.

For AIADMK, the departure of experienced leaders and workers could pose fresh organisational challenges. For TVK, however, the induction of established political figures provides valuable experience and grassroots networks as the party seeks to expand its influence.

The coming months will reveal whether this latest wave of defections marks the beginning of a larger political realignment in Tamil Nadu.