TVK Faces Row Over AIADMK MLA Defections
Tamil Nadu’s ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has come under political pressure after three AIADMK MLAs resigned and joined the party. Minister Aadhav Arjuna defended the move, while some Congress leaders objected to what they described as horse-trading politics.
TVK Inducts AIADMK MLAs
AIADMK MLAs Maragatham Kumaravel from Madurantakam, P Sathyabama from Dharapuram and S Jayakumar from Perundurai resigned before joining TVK. Aadhav Arjuna welcomed them into the party and said AIADMK leaders had worked with TVK during the election campaign.
He claimed that TVK represented a new form of AIADMK and said several AIADMK leaders were approaching the ruling party for talks. His remarks come after around 25 AIADMK MLAs reportedly supported the TVK government despite the party leadership directing them to vote against it.
Congress Leaders Oppose Defections
The defections have triggered criticism from sections of the Congress, which is an alliance partner of TVK in Tamil Nadu. Congress MP Jyothimani said the party would support Chief Minister Joseph Vijay’s government for the welfare of the people, but could not justify horse-trading politics.
She said Congress had opposed similar practices by the BJP in other states and could not support such methods in Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu Horse-Trading Row
The controversy deepened after Congress Youth Wing national secretary V Srinidhi resigned from her post and primary membership. In her resignation letter, she said her conscience was disturbed by TVK’s decision to induct MLAs who had exited the NDA.
The episode has exposed tensions within the ruling alliance and raised questions over political defections in Tamil Nadu. With more AIADMK leaders reportedly in talks with TVK, the issue could remain a major flashpoint in state politics.
