Former AIADMK MLA from the Alandur constituency, VNP Venkataraman, joined the DMK on Thursday at the party headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, in Chennai.
The event took place in the presence of DMK president MK Stalin.
This development occurs amid ongoing internal tensions within the AIADMK, despite attempts by senior party leaders to demonstrate unity and stability within the organisation.
Former Tamil Nadu Minister and senior AIADMK leader SP Velumani stated that the party remains united and focused on returning to power in the state. Speaking to reporters at Coimbatore Airport, Velumani dismissed speculation about leaders seeking positions within the party and affirmed the commitment of AIADMK workers to strengthening the organisation.
“AIADMK is our lifeline, and we are not moving for posts or positions,” Velumani said. He reaffirmed that Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) continues as the party’s General Secretary and noted that issues raised before the leadership would be resolved gradually.
“Our goal is to lead the party back to the path of victory and ensure the return of an AIADMK government,” he added. Velumani also accused certain media outlets and YouTube channels of spreading “false narratives” about internal party developments and denied claims that party leaders were acting out of personal ambition.
He explained that support extended by AIADMK legislators in the Assembly to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government was based on the people’s mandate and opposition to the DMK. Emphasising unity within the party, Velumani said differences among leaders had been resolved following discussions with the leadership.
“I spoke with CV Shanmugam this morning. We are like brothers. There were differences of opinion, but they have now been resolved after meeting the General Secretary,” he said. Velumani further highlighted that the AIADMK, which has completed 50 years and ruled Tamil Nadu for 31 years, had overcome setbacks in the past and would emerge stronger again.
He also expressed concern over rising crime and drug abuse in the state and called on the government to take immediate measures to address these issues.
Earlier on Wednesday, factions led by SP Velumani-Shanmugam and EPS withdrew petitions relating to the appointment of a new AIADMK legislature party leader and chief whip.