Vaigaichelvan Joins TVK, Takes Swipe at AIADMK Leadership

In a significant political development ahead of the next electoral cycle in Tamil Nadu, former AIADMK minister S.S. Vaigaichelvan joined the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on Saturday, a day after resigning from the AIADMK. His switch adds to a growing list of leaders crossing over to actor-politician Vijay's party, underlining TVK's efforts to expand its political footprint.

Joining the party at TVK headquarters in Panaiyur , Vaigaichelvan launched a sharp attack on the AIADMK leadership, describing the party as " a right party under a wrong leader ," in an apparent reference to AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) . He said he and several others had left the party because of " bitterness, wounds and tears ."

Praising Chief Minister Vijay, Vaigaichelvan called him " the chosen leader of our times " and expressed confidence that his leadership would shape Tamil Nadu's political future for decades. He also spoke positively about DMK Founder M.K. Stalin , saying the DMK leader listens patiently to differing views and citing discussions on the Mekedatu dam issue as an example.

Former MLA V.P. Kalairajan , who resigned from the DMK, and actor Ravi Mariya , previously associated with the AIADMK, were among those who also joined TVK during the event.

Vaigaichelvan had, on July 3, accused the AIADMK leadership of placing self-interest above the welfare of the party and its cadres and alleged that it was attempting to make compromises with the DMK. His resignation and subsequent entry into TVK follow the recent induction of former AIADMK ministers C. Vijayabaskar and M.R. Vijayabaskar , reflecting a steady stream of defections.

The latest developments are likely to have political implications for Tamil Nadu's opposition landscape. While the AIADMK faces questions over internal unity and leadership, TVK appears to be leveraging the influx of experienced politicians to strengthen its organisational structure and position itself as a credible political force ahead of future elections.