Two MDMK MLAs Refuse to Quit, Declare They Will Continue as DMK Legislators

In a significant political setback for the Vaiko-led MDMK, two party MLAs have refused to resign from their Assembly seats and announced that they will continue to function as legislators of the DMK.

Addressing a joint press conference on Wednesday, Kadayanallur MLA T.M. Rajendran and Sirkazhi MLA R. Senthil Selvan said they were elected on the DMK’s “Rising Sun” symbol and would therefore continue to operate under the DMK banner in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.

The announcement comes amid the recent breakdown of ties between the MDMK and the DMK. The legislators revealed that MDMK General Secretary Vaiko had asked them to resign, but they declined, saying such a move would amount to a betrayal of the voters.

“Resigning in just four months and going back to the people is contradictory, and we cannot face them,” the MLAs said, adding that Vaiko himself had campaigned with the assurance that they would serve a full five-year term.

The two leaders acknowledged that their refusal had created a “bitterness” between them and the MDMK chief. They also expressed disappointment over recent criticism from the party leadership, stating that after spending four decades working alongside Vaiko without expectations, they had received only “derogatory responses and slurs.”

Rajendran and Senthil Selvan said they initially chose to remain silent for six months to avoid friction, but were compelled to clarify their position after being accused by the MDMK Principal Secretary of being “sold out.”

Dismissing speculation about political bargaining, the MLAs denied accepting any offers of re-election tickets or ministerial posts.

Earlier in the day, the two legislators met DMK President M.K. Stalin and also thanked Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin, pledging to work as “foot soldiers” for Dravidian principles and the strengthening of the DMK.