Former AIADMK Minister P. Benjamin Joins DMK in Fresh Blow to AIADMK

In a significant political development in Tamil Nadu, former AIADMK minister P. Benjamin joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Wednesday along with several of his supporters and party functionaries, marking another setback for the AIADMK amid a continuing series of high-profile defections.

Benjamin was inducted into the DMK in the presence of the party president M. K. Stalin at the party headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, in Chennai. Senior DMK leaders T.R. Baalu , A. Raja , and R.S. Bharathi were also present during the event.

Among those who joined the DMK were several AIADMK office-bearers, including Tiruvallur Central District Women’s Wing Secretary Yamini Ilayaraja , Tiruvallur District Students’ Wing Secretary Dinesh , and other local leaders and cadres.

A former Deputy Mayor of the Chennai Corporation, Benjamin had earlier served as a minister in AIADMK governments led by the late Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa and later by former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami .

His switch carries political significance as it comes at a time when the AIADMK is grappling with internal challenges and a growing exodus of senior leaders. Benjamin’s entry is expected to strengthen the DMK’s organisational presence in northern Tamil Nadu, particularly in Tiruvallur district, while further weakening the AIADMK’s efforts to project unity ahead of future electoral contests.

The move also reflects the ongoing realignment in Tamil Nadu politics. In recent days, several former AIADMK ministers, including M.C. Sampath , N.R. Sivapathi , Kadambur C. Raju , and Udumalai K. Radhakrishnan , have left the party, underscoring the pressure on the AIADMK leadership as it seeks to retain its core support base.

With Benjamin’s induction, the DMK has added another prominent AIADMK leader to its ranks, reinforcing its strategy of expanding influence by attracting experienced political figures from rival parties.