Tamil Nadu Minister Predicts Major Shift in AIADMK Membership
Predictions of a Shift in AIADMK
Tamil Nadu's Minister, Aadav Arjun, has indicated that the rift within the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) is likely to deepen in the near future. He anticipates that within the next month, around 90% of the party's leaders will transition to the Tamilga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. Speaking at an event in Chennai, Arjun also addressed the legislators who joined AIADMK after the 2026 assembly elections, stating that they would be warmly welcomed into TVK. He emphasized the need for the party to conduct weekly membership drives to expand its base. According to reports from a news agency, Arjun, who represents the Villivakkam constituency, expressed, "We warmly welcome everyone who comes here, as if they are family members. Within a month, we expect 90% of AIADMK members to join TVK. Therefore, I urge the general secretary of TVK to initiate membership drives every Saturday."
Growing Divisions in AIADMK
The divisions within AIADMK have intensified following a rebellion against General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami by party leaders S.P. Velumani and C. V. Shanmugam. During a floor test in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, 25 legislators voted in favor of Vijay's government, with four of them resigning and joining TVK. Vijay's party claims that many more legislators will follow suit. Despite the ongoing tensions, the party has denied any significant splits, although Shanmugam has yet to clarify his position. Meanwhile, Velumani, who stated that the differences have been resolved, returned to his Thondamuthur constituency on Friday to thank the voters for their support.
A Commitment to Service
After assuming office as the Thondamuthur MLA, I paid tribute to the statues of revolutionary leaders Amma (the late Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa), M.G.R. (M.G. Ramachandran), and Anna (former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai) located on Avinashi Road. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the people of Thondamuthur and Coimbatore district, who have always regarded me as one of their own and have continuously supported me, which means more to me than life itself. I promise to always be ready to serve them.