AIADMK suffers fresh blow as 3 MLAs join Vijay’s TVK
The AIADMK faced another major setback on Monday after three MLAs from the rebel faction led by C Ve Shanmugam resigned from the party and joined actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
MLAs K Maragatham, D Jayakumar and V Sathyabama submitted their resignations to the Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker, further weakening the AIADMK’s position in the state legislature.
With the latest resignations, the AIADMK’s strength in the 234-member Assembly has fallen to 44. By-elections to the three vacant constituencies are expected within the next six months, along with the Tiruchirappalli (East) seat.
The defections mark the latest phase of internal turmoil within the AIADMK following its disappointing performance in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections under the leadership of Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS).
The AIADMK had secured only 47 seats in the elections, while Vijay’s TVK emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats, dramatically reshaping Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. However, TVK fell short of the majority mark by 10 seats, leading to intense post-poll political negotiations.
The political crisis deepened after at least 24 rebel AIADMK MLAs reportedly defied the party whip and extended support to Vijay’s government during a crucial floor test held on May 13. Their support pushed TVK’s tally to 144 legislators.
The rebel faction, led by senior leader C Ve Shanmugam, has accused EPS of weakening the party through unilateral decision-making and controversial alliance strategies. Rebels have also alleged that EPS indirectly aided the DMK in government formation.
Several leaders within the party have criticised what they described as “dictatorial” functioning by the AIADMK leadership and demanded structural reforms to revive the party in line with the political legacy of former Chief Ministers MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa.
The rebellion has triggered disciplinary proceedings within the AIADMK, including possible action under anti-defection provisions against the rebel MLAs.
The continuing defections are being seen as a significant boost for Vijay’s TVK government, which has rapidly consolidated support after its strong electoral debut in Tamil Nadu politics.
