Mahabalipuram: Tamil Nadu's political stage witnessed fresh drama on Thursday as the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, pulled off a major coup by inducting several former AIADMK ministers, ex-MLAs and district-level leaders into its fold.
The high-profile defections, announced at a grand ceremony in Mahabalipuram, dealt another blow to the AIADMK while strengthening TVK's organisational muscle across the state.
Among those who switched sides were former ministers C Vijayabaskar, MR Vijayabaskar, MSM Anandan and Valarmathi, alongside a string of district secretaries and former legislators.
The list included Pudukottai's Vairamuthu, Perambalur's Ilamai Tamizhselvan, Orathanadu's Sekar, ex-Tiruchirappalli Deputy Mayor Srinivasan, and MLAs from constituencies such as Srivilliputhur, Kumbakonam, Tiruchuli, Paramakudi, Peravurani, Sankagiri and Sivaganga.
Tamil Nadu Minister Sengottiyan, himself a former AIADMK leader, hailed Vijay as "a way for those who have no way," while criticising his old party for "betrayal" through alliances.
The defections sparked sharp reactions, with DMK MP Kanimozhi taking a swipe on X, likening the churn to a "washing machine" model of politics that could even "wash away gutka stains."
Former Health Minister C Vijayabaskar cited his pandemic-era service as motivation to continue public life under Vijay's leadership, while MR Vijayabaskar described his tenure in Transport as a "golden era." Both expressed confidence in TVK's vision for welfare and development.