Four AIADMK MLAs resign in Tamil Nadu, join ruling TVK party
On May 25-26, 2026, four AIADMK MLAs from the S.P. Velumani faction resigned from the Tamil Nadu Assembly and joined the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). DMK chief M.K. Stalin accused TVK of "horse trading at horse speed," while PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss questioned the timing. The defections reduce AIADMK’s strength to 44 seats, deepening internal factionalism and marking a significant political shift in the state.
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Former AIADMK Ministers C. Vijayabaskar and M.R. Vijayabhaskar Join Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)
On July 2, 2026, former AIADMK Health Minister C. Vijayabaskar, former Transport Minister M.R. Vijayabhaskar, and several other senior leaders and thousands of cadres joined the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. The defection occurred at a private resort in Mamallapuram, near Chennai, in the presence of TVK general secretary N. Anand and other ministers. Both former ministers had recently resigned their Assembly seats—C. Vijayabaskar on June 16 and M.R. Vijayabhaskar on June 29. They were among 25 rebel AIADMK MLAs who had voted in favor of the TVK government during a confidence vote on May 13, defying the party whip. Other former AIADMK ministers, including M.S.M. Anandan and S. Valarmathi, also joined TVK. This marks a significant blow to the AIADMK as the exodus of influential regional leaders continues.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.M.R. Vijayabhaskar Says Joining TVK Was His Own Decision
Former AIADMK Minister M.R. Vijayabhaskar, who recently resigned as MLA and joined the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, stated on July 13, 2026, that his decision to switch parties was entirely his own, free from any external pressure or influence. Speaking to journalists in Karur, he claimed he held 11 meetings with AIADMK functionaries and workers, who largely favored joining the TVK due to dissatisfaction with AIADMK leadership. He described a 'mass exodus' of AIADMK MLAs, former ministers, and district officials to the TVK. This statement contradicts his earlier claim that he was approached by the TVK. The defection is part of a broader wave of political shifts in Tamil Nadu.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Former AIADMK Minister M.R. Vijayabhaskar Says Joining TVK Was His Own Decision
Former AIADMK Minister M.R. Vijayabhaskar, who recently resigned his Assembly membership and joined the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), stated on Monday that his decision was entirely voluntary and free from any external pressure. Speaking to journalists in Karur, he said he held extensive consultations with AIADMK functionaries and workers before making the move. Vijayabhaskar claimed that no one from TVK had invited him, contradicting an earlier statement. He attributed his switch to widespread dissatisfaction with AIADMK leadership, describing a 'mass exodus' of MLAs, former ministers, and district-level officials to TVK. He noted that a majority of AIADMK office-bearers in Karur district urged him to join TVK, leading him to convene 11 meetings to discuss the matter before deciding to switch parties.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Former AIADMK MLAs Facing Disqualification Meet Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker
Three former AIADMK MLAs—S. Jayakumar (Perundurai), P. Sathyabama (Dharapuram), and Maragatham Kumaravel (Maduranthagam)—who defected to the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) met Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar on July 9, 2026, to submit explanations regarding disqualification notices under the anti-defection law. A fourth MLA, Esakki Subaya (Ambasamudram), had previously given his explanation. These four were among 25 rebel AIADMK MLAs who voted against the party whip during a confidence vote for Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's government on May 13. Disqualification proceedings against the other 21 MLAs were dropped after AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami condoned their actions. Two of those MLAs later resigned and joined TVK.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Former AIADMK Ministers C. Vijayabaskar and M.R. Vijayabhaskar join Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam
On July 2, 2026, former AIADMK Health Minister C. Vijayabaskar and former Transport Minister M.R. Vijayabhaskar, along with senior functionaries and thousands of cadres, joined Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the ruling party led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. The move deals a fresh blow to the AIADMK, which has been experiencing a steady exodus of influential regional leaders. Both defectors had resigned their Assembly seats in June 2026 and were among 25 rebel AIADMK MLAs who supported TVK in a confidence vote in May. Other joining senior leaders include former Ministers M.S.M. Anandan and S. Valarmathi. The ceremony took place at a private resort in Mamallapuram, near Chennai.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Former AIADMK Ministers C. Vijayabaskar and M.R. Vijayabhaskar Join Ruling TVK Party
On July 2, 2026, former AIADMK senior leaders including ex-Health Minister C. Vijayabaskar and ex-Transport Minister M.R. Vijayabhaskar formally joined the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the ruling party led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. The defection occurred at a private resort in Mamallapuram, near Chennai, in the presence of senior TVK ministers. Both leaders were among 25 rebel AIADMK MLAs who had previously defied the party whip to vote in favor of the TVK government during a confidence motion in May. C. Vijayabaskar resigned his Assembly membership on June 16, and M.R. Vijayabhaskar resigned on June 29. Several other former AIADMK ministers, MLAs, and district secretaries also joined TVK, marking a continuing exodus from the Dravidian major party.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.AIADMK leader S.P. Velumani likely to resign as MLA and quit party
According to AIADMK party sources, deputy general secretary and Thondamuthur MLA S.P. Velumani is likely to resign his Assembly membership and leave the party. The development follows a series of resignations that have reduced the AIADMK's strength in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from 47 to 41. Six AIADMK MLAs have already submitted resignations, with four joining the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. The resignations stem from an earlier rebellion where 25 AIADMK MLAs defied the party whip to support a confidence motion. Party general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami had appointed Velumani and Natham Viswanathan as deputy general secretaries on June 25 in an attempt to contain the crisis. Departing from Coimbatore airport on June 30, Velumani neither confirmed nor denied the likelihood, indicating he would update reporters later.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Former AIADMK MLA Esakki Subaya tells Madras High Court he resigned due to disillusionment with party leadership
Former AIADMK MLA Esakki Subaya (62), now with the TVK, filed a counter affidavit in the Madras High Court stating his resignation from the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly was entirely voluntary and genuine, driven by total disillusionment with the AIADMK leadership. He asserted the decision was free from external pressure, coercion, or pecuniary inducement. The affidavit was filed in response to writ petitions by AIADMK whip Agri S.S. Krishnamurthy challenging Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar’s acceptance of resignations from Subaya and three other MLAs pending disqualification proceedings. Subaya claimed he never received notice of a May 9, 2026 meeting allegedly electing Edappadi K. Palaniswami as legislature party leader and Krishnamurthy as whip, and that his signature was misused. He resigned on May 26, 2026, after 13 days of deliberation, and later joined TVK. He also highlighted selective prosecution, as AIADMK accepted apologies from 21 MLAs but pursued disqualification only against the four who resigned.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Tamil Nadu Assembly Secretary Tells Court Motive Behind MLAs' Resignations Is Irrelevant
The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Secretary, R. Santhi, informed the Madras High Court on June 29, 2026, that Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar is legally bound to accept resignations of MLAs if they are found to be voluntary and genuine, and the motive behind the resignations is irrelevant under the law. The counter affidavit was filed in response to petitions by AIADMK whip Agri S.S. Krishnamurthy, who challenged the Speaker's acceptance of resignations of four ex-AIADMK MLAs—S. Jayakumar, P. Sathyabama, Maragatham Kumaravel, and Esaki Subaya—who were elected on AIADMK tickets. The Secretary argued that the resignations were submitted personally in handwritten form, and the Speaker conducted an appropriate inquiry before accepting them. She also described allegations that the Speaker showed allegiance to the TVK party as 'scandalous and unfounded'. The court is now deliberating on the legality of the resignations.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.AIADMK whip tells Madras High Court Speaker did not conduct meaningful inquiry before accepting resignations of four MLAs
The AIADMK whip, Agri S.S. Krishnamurthy, filed writ petitions in the Madras High Court challenging the acceptance of resignations of four AIADMK MLAs who subsequently joined the TVK party. The whip argued that Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar failed to conduct a 'meaningful inquiry' as required under Article 190(3)(b) of the Constitution, which mandates the Speaker to verify the voluntariness and genuineness of resignations. He highlighted that the first three resignations were submitted at 2:30 p.m. and accepted by 3:55 p.m., calling it a 'sham of compliance.' The four MLAs were among 25 who defied the AIADMK whip and voted in favor of a confidence motion for Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on May 13, 2026. The AIADMK had previously sought their disqualification under the anti-defection law. The First Division Bench of Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan issued notice to the Assembly Secretary, returnable by June 29.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Four Ex-AIADMK MLAs Submit Replies in Disqualification Case to Tamil Nadu Speaker
Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar announced on June 17, 2026, that four former AIADMK MLAs—S. Jayakumar, Maragatham Kumaravel, P. Sathyabama, and Esakki Subaya—have submitted written replies to disqualification notices served on June 9. The proceedings were initiated after they defied the party whip and voted in favor of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's government during a trust vote on May 13. The Speaker stated he will review their explanations before making a decision. Notably, the AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami had previously condoned 21 other rebel MLAs who also defied the whip but reconciled with the party. However, one of those condoned MLAs, C. Vijayabaskar, resigned his assembly membership on June 16. The four former MLAs met the Speaker at the Secretariat on Wednesday.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.AIADMK leader C. Vijayabaskar resigns as Tamil Nadu MLA
Dr. C. Vijayabaskar, former Health Minister and AIADMK leader from Viralimalai, resigned from the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on June 16, 2026, becoming the fifth AIADMK lawmaker to do so since the 2026 assembly elections. His resignation was accepted by Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar. Vijayabaskar, who had been with AIADMK since college, served as Health Minister from 2013 to 2021 under three chief ministers. He was among 25 rebel AIADMK MLAs who voted in favor of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's TVK government during a confidence vote on May 13, defying the party whip. Previous AIADMK resignees Maragatham Kumaravel, S. Jayakumar, P. Sathyabama, and Esakki Subaya had already left the party and joined the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), signaling a continued erosion of AIADMK legislative strength.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Tamil Nadu Today: AIADMK Rebel MLAs Declare Support for TVK Government
The Tamil Nadu Today newsletter reports on major political developments in Tamil Nadu as of June 12, 2026. A rebel faction of the AIADMK, led by former ministers C.Ve. Shanmugam and S.P. Velumani, declared support for the newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government, accusing AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami of attempting to form a government with the DMK. The AIADMK responded by accusing the rebels of betraying voters. TVK's J.C.D. Prabhakar was unanimously elected Speaker of the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, with M. Ravisankar as Deputy Speaker. AMMK general secretary T.TV. Dhinakaran expelled his party's lone MLA for supporting TVK. Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay ordered the closure of 717 TASMAC liquor shops near educational institutions and places of worship. Additionally, the Madras High Court restrained a TVK MLA who won by one vote from participating in a trust vote.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Notices Sent to Four Ex-MLAs for Defying AIADMK Whip During Trust Vote in Tamil Nadu Assembly
The Tamil Nadu Assembly Secretariat issued notices on June 9, 2026, to four former AIADMK MLAs—S. Jayakumar, P. Sathyabama, Maragatham Kumaravel, and Esaki Subaya—for defying the party whip during a confidence vote on May 13. They were among 25 rebel AIADMK MLAs who voted in favour of the TVK-led government led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. The four later resigned as legislators and joined the TVK. While the other 21 rebel MLAs were condoned by AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami after reconciling with the party, these four face action. Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar stated they must respond within a week. Separately, a two-day training programme for all MLAs on Assembly procedures will be held on June 16-17, inaugurated by CM Vijay.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker Drops Disqualification Action Against 21 AIADMK MLAs After Party Chief Condonation
Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar announced on June 9, 2026, that he has dropped disqualification proceedings against 21 of 25 rebel AIADMK MLAs after party general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami submitted letters condoning their conduct. The MLAs had voted against the party whip during a May 13 confidence vote for Chief Minister Joseph Vijay's government. However, proceedings continue against four MLAs—Maragatham Kumaravel, S. Jayakumar, P. Sathyabama, and Esaki Subaya—who resigned from the party and joined the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The Speaker confirmed he reviewed Assembly rules before deciding to drop action against the 21 MLAs, whose names were read out in a press conference.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Tamil Nadu Minister Sengottaiyan Dismisses Horse-Trading Allegations by TVK
Tamil Nadu Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan dismissed allegations that the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) engaged in horse-trading to attract opposition MLAs, following former AIADMK MLA S. Jayakumar's defection to TVK. Speaking in Erode on May 30, 2026, Sengottaiyan asserted that defectors resigned voluntarily and that TVK wins on its own strength. He stated the government would formally respond to the allegations on the Assembly floor. The minister attributed AIADMK defections to internal dissatisfaction over remarks favoring a possible alliance with the DMK. Separately, he criticized opposition parties for targeting the new government prematurely and noted that Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has already submitted representations to the Centre on the Mekedatu dam project and fishermen's welfare. The article also references opposition calls for a CBI probe into alleged poaching.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Sengottaiyan refutes allegations of TVK indulging in horse-trading
Tamil Nadu Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management K.A. Sengottaiyan denied allegations that the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) engaged in horse-trading by inducting AIADMK MLAs who resigned their legislative posts. Speaking in Chennai on May 26, 2026, he stated that the MLAs resigned voluntarily and that he played no role in their defection, despite being a former AIADMK strongman. He deflected criticism by suggesting that those who attempted to become Chief Minister with DMK support should answer for horse-trading. On law and order and women's safety concerns raised by opposition parties, Sengottaiyan urged patience for the new government, noting that Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has taken prompt action and the Police Department is enforcing strict measures.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Fourth AIADMK MLA Esakki Subaya Resigns, Dealing Another Blow to Party
On May 26, 2026, former Tamil Nadu Minister and Ambasamudram MLA Esakki Subaya resigned from his legislative post, becoming the fourth AIADMK MLA to do so in two days. Subaya was among 25 rebel AIADMK MLAs led by former Minister S.P. Velumani who voted in favor of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's government during a confidence vote on May 13. The resignations follow three other AIADMK MLAs—Maragatham Kumaravel, S. Jayakumar, and P. Sathyabama—who resigned on May 25 and subsequently joined the TVK party. This series of defections represents a significant political blow to the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.DMK Chief Stalin Accuses TVK of 'Horse Trading at Horse Speed' After AIADMK MLAs Defect
On May 25, 2026, three MLAs from the S.P. Velumani faction of the AIADMK resigned from their posts and immediately joined the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in Tamil Nadu. DMK president and former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin condemned the move as 'horse trading at horse speed,' accusing the TVK of exposing its 'clean force' image. DMK organization secretary R.S. Bharathi likened the defections to 'Aya Ram Gaya Ram' politics and threatened legal action against those linking the DMK to the rape and murder of a minor girl in Sulur. PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss questioned the need for the resignations so soon after the election results, suggesting they were driven by a desire for power rather than public interest.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.DMK Chief Stalin Accuses TVK of 'Horse Trading' as Three AIADMK MLAs Resign and Join Ruling Party
On May 25, 2026, three MLAs from the S.P. Velumani faction of the AIADMK resigned from their posts and joined the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the ruling party in Tamil Nadu. DMK president and former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin criticized the move as 'horse trading at horse speed,' accusing the TVK of engineering defections. DMK organization secretary R.S. Bharathi called it a case of 'Aya Ram Gaya Ram' and alleged that the TVK is using false propaganda to link the DMK to a rape and murder case in Sulur. PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss questioned the need for the resignations so soon after the election results, suggesting the MLAs were motivated by a desire for power. The article also notes that the Congress party has joined the TVK government, which Stalin claims exposes its 'fake anti-BJP stand.'
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