Three former AIADMK ministers joined the ruling TVK, triggering sharp criticism from the DMK
July 2, 2026: Three former AIADMK ministers—Dr C Vijayabaskar, M R Vijayabaskar and M S M Anandan—joined the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on Thursday along with several supporters in the presence of the party’s general secretary ‘Bussy’ N Anand at Mamallapuram. The leaders praised Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s leadership and said their decision followed dissatisfaction with the current AIADMK leadership. TVK leaders welcomed them, claiming the AIADMK had drifted away from its cadre-based political roots.
The induction triggered sharp political reactions, with the DMK taking a swipe at the TVK by comparing it to the BJP’s alleged “washing machine” politics. DMK leader Kanimozhi questioned whether the ruling party was admitting leaders facing corruption allegations, while the DMK’s IT wing highlighted past cases involving former ministers C Vijayabaskar and M R Vijayabaskar. AIADMK leader Gayathri Raghuram also criticised the move, saying it contradicted TVK’s promise of clean and corruption-free politics.
Defending their switch, the former AIADMK leaders said they joined TVK voluntarily after consulting party workers and supporters. They denied allegations of political bargaining and expressed confidence in Vijay’s leadership and the party’s future. Hundreds of supporters from Pudukkottai, Karur and nearby districts attended the induction event, marking a significant political development in Tamil Nadu.