Former AIADMK ministers, ex-MLAs and district leaders joined Chief Minister Vijay’s TVK in Mahabalipuram, while DMK MP Kanimozhi mocked the political defections with her “washing machine” remark.
File image: TVK chief C Joseph Vijay (Photo: IANS)
The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) strengthened its political ranks on Thursday after several former AIADMK ministers, ex-MLAs and district-level functionaries formally joined Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s party at a function in Mahabalipuram, delivering another setback to the opposition AIADMK.
The high-profile inductions come amid continuing political churn in Tamil Nadu and are expected to bolster TVK’s organisational network as the ruling party expands its presence across the state. The development also triggered a fresh political exchange, with DMK MP Kanimozhi taking a swipe at the defections.
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The induction ceremony, held at a private hotel in Mahabalipuram, saw former AIADMK ministers C Vijayabaskar, MR Vijayabaskar, MSM Anandan and Valarmathi formally join TVK.
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Several former district secretaries also switched sides, including Pudukottai district secretary Vairamuthu, Perambalur district secretary Ilamai Tamizhselvan, Orathanadu district secretary Sekar and former Tiruchirappalli Deputy Mayor Srinivasan.
Former legislators who joined the party included Manraj (Srivilliputhur), Ramkumar (Kumbakonam), Rajavarman (Tiruchuli), Sadhan Prabhakar (Paramakudi), Thirugnanasambandam (Peravurani), Sundararajan (Sankagiri) and Ramachandran (Sivaganga).
Addressing the gathering, Tamil Nadu Minister Sengottiyan, who had earlier been associated with the AIADMK, praised Vijay’s leadership and criticised his former party.
“When I was thrown out of my party our leader made me as minister now. He is a way for those who have no way and path. He is a great leader. You (AIADMK cadres) all were felt bad when AIADMK tried to make an alliance with DMK, the enemy of AIADMK. There is no betrayal here but it’s there (AIADMK). You all have come where a great leadership is there. Our leader is a permanent CM,” he said.
Reacting to the latest political developments, DMK MP Kanimozhi posted a cryptic message on X, likening the defections to what she described as a “washing machine” model of politics.
“I heard that a ‘washing machine’ of the kind the BJP used to employ in the North has now arrived in Tamil Nadu too. They say this new Tamil Nadu model machine can even wash away gutka stains… Is that true?” she wrote.
Earlier in the day, former ministers C Vijayabaskar and MR Vijayabaskar had announced that they would join TVK, saying they intended to continue their public life under the leadership of Chief Minister Vijay.
C Vijayabaskar, a former Health Minister, said his decision followed careful consideration of his future role in public life. He also referred to his work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Former Transport Minister MR Vijayabaskar said he had spent more than four decades in public life and described his tenure in the Transport Department as a “golden era”. He also recalled his public outreach and relief work in Karur during the pandemic.
Both leaders expressed confidence in Vijay’s leadership and said joining TVK would allow them to contribute more effectively to public welfare and development initiatives.
The latest defections add to TVK’s growing political strength as the party continues to induct experienced leaders from one of Tamil Nadu’s principal regional parties.
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