DMK, the ‘preferred destination’ for many former AIADMK functionaries, compared to TVK

The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) seems to be the preferred destination for many former members of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) to the fledgling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

In the last six-odd months, those who have joined the ruling party included former Minister— MP A. Anwhar Raajhaa, former MP V. Maitreyan and former legislator V.R. Karthik Thondaiman.

Several erstwhile members of the dissidents’ group led by former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam have also crossed over to the DMK. Among them are former legislator of Palani A. Subburathinam, former MP and a two-time MLA, P.H. Manoj Pandian and former Urban Development Minister R. Vaithilingam. Mr. Manoj Pandian and Mr Vaithilingam represented Alangulam and Orathanadu respectively till recently in the current Assembly.  

On Friday (January 23, 2026), S.V.S.P. Manickaraja, who was the deputy general secretary of the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), joined the DMK in the presence of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin at the Arivalayam. Earlier in the day, he was expelled from the AMMK. 

But, till now, the TVK, being led by actor Vijay, has been able to draw only two prominent faces from the AIADMK — former School Education Minister and a nine-time legislator K.A. Sengottaiyan and former MLA of Villivakkam J.C.D. Prabhakar. 

Asked whether the fact that the DMK is the ruling party has been drawing more former members of the AIADMK to the former, Mr Subburathinam denied the suggestion and asserted that those who have been “wedded to ideals” of the Dravidian movement view the DMK as the “only capable political force” to take on the BJP, which was using the other Dravidian major as a shield to pursue its “divisive and communal” agenda.

Mr. Prabhakar, a member of the TVK’s election manifesto committee, claims that while the AIADMK’s some prominent figures have joined the DMK, “thousands and hundreds” of less-known workers of the party are “coming” to the new party.  Besides, those who are “frustrated” with both the parties are becoming members of the TVK as the organisation’s leader is a “well-meaning” and “people-centric” person, the former MLA adds.