C Vijayabaskar Resigns From AIADMK To Join TVK Ahead Of Viralimalai Bypoll

Former minister C Vijayabaskar has resigned from the AIADMK and his MLA post ahead of his scheduled induction into the Tamiliga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party on June 29, with preparations currently underway at a private hall in Chennai. His resignation has triggered an upcoming bypoll in the Viralimalai constituency.

Ahead of his next political move and the resulting bypoll, Vijayabaskar has started distributing gift hampers to nearly 80,000 households in the Viralimalai constituency. The gift hampers contain a stainless-steel container, a sweet box, a pen, and a letter thanking the local voters for their support. In the letter, Vijayabaskar also promised the voters that he would always remain loyal to them. He is expected to contest the upcoming bypoll on the TVK's 'whistle' symbol.

To demonstrate his political strength, Vijayabaskar's team has been working overtime to make the induction event in Chennai a grand success. Elaborate arrangements are being made to transport around 3,000 of his supporters, along with over 20 AIADMK district-level functionaries who remain loyal to him, from Viralimalai and neighbouring constituencies for the formal induction programme. A source close to the former minister confirmed that everything from transport to food is being arranged for the attendees.

This development follows a meeting of Vijayabaskar's loyalists in Pudukottai on June 18, where they convened and passed a formal resolution stating that they stood by his decision to join the TVK. If the transition is completed, Vijayabaskar will become the fifth AIADMK MLA to resign from his post and join the TVK.

However, it remains uncertain whether he will be able to join the party directly in the presence of TVK leader and Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. While the TVK leadership is ready to welcome the former minister due to his recognized political acumen and organizing skills, they have expressed concerns regarding his "tainted" image.