Three former AIADMK ministers and ten ex-MLAs join TVK at Panaiyur headquarters

On Saturday, three former ministers and ten former MLAs from the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) officially joined the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party at its headquarters in Panaiyur, Chennai. The high-profile defection marks a continuing exodus of senior leaders from the opposition party, a development that is expected to weaken its organizational strength while boosting the political presence of the TVK.

The former AIADMK ministers who shifted their allegiance are Udumalai K Radhakrishnan, Kadambur C Raju, and M C Sampath. The trio, along with their supporters, arrived at the TVK headquarters in Panaiyur to join the ruling party. They were accompanied by ten former MLAs who also made the switch to the TVK.

The leaders and their supporters were formally inducted into the TVK in the presence of the party's general secretary, N Anand. This induction comes amid a steady stream of leaders and cadres from opposition ranks shifting their allegiance to the TVK following its rise to power.

This wave of defections is expected to impact the AIADMK's overall influence. Party observers note that the exit of Udumalai K Radhakrishnan, Kadambur C Raju, and M C Sampath will likely weaken the AIADMK's organizational structure, especially in the specific regions where these three leaders have historically wielded considerable influence.

According to TVK party functionaries, the influx of new members is expected to continue. Party officials stated that more leaders from various opposition parties are likely to join the TVK in the coming days, as the party continues to consolidate and strengthen its political position.