BJP Alliance Fallout: PMK Members Join DMK, Signal Major Political Shift

In a significant political development, 50 members from Kattupakkam, including Satya, the Union Secretary for the area of the Paatali Makkal Katchi (PMK), have parted ways with the party. Their decision stems from PMK's choice to align with the BJP for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu. These members have now joined the DMK, signaling a noteworthy shift in their political loyalties. The joining ceremony took place in the presence of Minister D.M. Anbarasan.

Until recently, it seemed certain that PMK would form an alliance with ADMK. Reports suggested that Edappadi Pazhanisamy of ADMK had made a significant offer to include PMK in their alliance, promising a strong partnership that could potentially lead to winning positions in future elections. Discussions between ADMK and PMK founder Ramadas were underway, hinting at a collaboration that could extend to the 2026 elections as well.

However, in a surprising turn of events, PMK decided to partner with BJP instead. This decision came after a crucial phone call from BJP's Delhi headquarters to Anbumani Ramadoss of PMK. Despite earlier negotiations with ADMK, which included promises of 8 Lok Sabha seats and election funds, PMK gave full authority to Ramadas to finalize the alliance decision. Both BJP and ADMK had offered Lok Sabha seats to PMK, with BJP proposing 10 seats and ADMK 8.

The choice to ally with BJP has caused discontent among PMK members, especially in North Tamil Nadu. The Vanniyar community, which forms a significant part of PMK's support base, prefers ADMK due to the 10.5% reservation benefit they offer. This community had seen potential in an ADMK-PMK alliance, recalling the additional seats given to PMK in Salem and Dharmapuri during assembly elections. Despite this potential for success, PMK's leadership opted for an alliance with BJP, leading to widespread disappointment among its members.

This discontent culminated in the resignation of 50 PMK functionaries from Kattupakkam, including key figure Satya. Their departure has left the PMK's presence in Kattupakkam significantly weakened. These former members have now aligned themselves with DMK, seeking new political avenues following their disagreement with PMK's alliance choices.