AIADMK exodus? E ministers, MLAs, hundreds of cadres set to join TVK tomorrow

Published 1 July 2026 · india

Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is set for one of its biggest political inductions yet, with at least five former AIADMK ministers, around 15 former

Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is set for one of its biggest political inductions yet, with at least five former AIADMK ministers, around 15 former MLAs and hundreds of party cadres expected to join Tamil Nadu's ruling party at an event on Thursday, sources said. The mass induction, scheduled at a resort in Mamallapuram, is being viewed as a major organisational boost for TVK as it seeks to strengthen its position amid allegations of poaching of its MLA and horse-trading. Read Full Story Among the senior leaders expected to join are former AIADMK ministers C Vijayabaskar, MR Vijayabaskar, MSM Anandan and S Valarmathi.

Sources said several former legislators, district-level office-bearers and local functionaries from Karur and Pudukkottai are also likely to switch allegiance to TVK. Kayalvizhi, daughter of former Union minister MK Alagiri, is also expected to formally join the party during the induction programme. The expected defections come amid continuing turbulence within the AIADMK, as the Edappadi K Palaniswami-led party has been grappling with internal differences and organisational challenges following the electoral setback in the recently-held Assembly polls. Among those expected to cross over, Vijayabaskar recently resigned as an MLA, while Vijayabaskar had earlier stepped down from both the Tamil Nadu Assembly and the AIADMK.

Sources said the move reflects a broader organisational shift rather than isolated defections, with several AIADMK office-bearers from Karur and Pudukkottai, along with former MLAs and grassroots functionaries, expected to join TVK in a single event. The induction is being seen as a significant milestone in TVK's expansion efforts, with the party looking to build its organisational strength and attract experienced political leaders as it prepares for future electoral battles in the state. Earlier this month, four former AIADMK ministers -- MC Sampath, NR Sivapathi, Kadambur C Raju and Udumalai K Radhakrishnan -- had joined TVK.

All of whom had served as ministers at various points under J Jayalalithaa and Palaniswami. The party had also seen defections from DMK as well. Neither TVK nor the AIADMK has officially confirmed the list of leaders expected to join the party. However, sources indicated that Wednesday's event could mark one of the largest political crossovers into TVK since its formation. Ends