TVK Claims Major Political Shift in Tamil Nadu, Says AIADMK Cadres Set to Join Ruling Party

Chennai, May 2026 : TVK Minister Aadhav Arjuna on Thursday claimed that nearly 90 per cent of AIADMK functionaries and cadres were ready to join the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), asserting that the party had emerged as the “true political future” of Tamil Nadu.

He made the remarks while addressing a programme at the TVK headquarters in Panaiyur, where several members from smaller regional groups and trade union organisations formally merged with the party. Over 100 individuals, led by Anna Trade Union president Kamalakannan, joined TVK in the presence of senior leaders, including Minister N. Anand.

Speaking at the event, Arjuna said a major political transformation was underway in Tamil Nadu and claimed that the ruling party had quickly gained public trust after coming to power.

“Last month we met several leaders and said we would hold another round of discussions after forming the government. Today that has become a reality,” he said, suggesting that the party’s influence was expanding rapidly.

He also praised senior TVK leader K.A. Sengottaiyan, stating that earlier criticism of his decision to join the party had now been proven wrong. According to Arjuna, political developments were validating the choices made by leaders aligning themselves with TVK.

“After MGR and Jayalalithaa, it is leader Vijay who has entered Fort St. George and formed the government,” he said, underlining the party’s claim of a new leadership era in Tamil Nadu politics.

The Minister further launched sharp criticism against both the DMK and AIADMK, accusing them of failing to deliver effective governance. He alleged that Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay-led administration had already begun dismantling corruption and what he termed the “commission culture” in the state.

Arjuna also defended the TVK-led coalition government, describing it as a broad secular alliance comprising parties with diverse ideological backgrounds. He questioned the Opposition’s criticism of the alliance and raised doubts over the AIADMK’s strength under its current leadership.

Referring to Edappadi K. Palaniswami, he questioned how the AIADMK general secretary could claim legitimacy, suggesting that the party’s support base in the Assembly was limited.

Addressing recent political churn involving defections and resignations, Arjuna denied allegations that TVK had lured MLAs with inducements or pressure. He insisted that legislators were voluntarily choosing to align with the party.

“Even if they are MLAs, they are ready to resign, join TVK honestly and face the people again. We welcome them with affection,” he said.

Claiming that TVK was following the welfare-oriented political path of former Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran, Arjuna predicted a large-scale political realignment in the state in the near future.

“If you want to know what is going to happen, write this down now — within one month, 90 per cent of AIADMK members will join TVK,” he declared, projecting a dramatic shift in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.

The statement comes amid rising political activity in the state, with parties intensifying outreach and organisational expansion efforts ahead of future electoral battles.