Chennai: Public works minister Aadhav Arjuna on Thursday stated that grassroots workers of the AIADMK now view the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) as the 'true AIADMK'. The remarks came after a significant number of AIADMK functionaries, led by four former AIADMK MLAs, joined TVK at the party headquarters in Panaiyur. The event was attended by TVK general secretary N Anand, revenue minister K A Sengottaiyan, Aadhav Arjuna, and several other senior ministers.
Prominent Leaders Switch Allegiance
Among the prominent leaders who joined TVK were former minister Vellamandi N Natarajan, former DMK MLA J Karunanidhi, Anna trade union secretary K Kamalakannan, and former DGP and MLA R Nataraj. Addressing the gathering, Arjuna said that chief minister C Joseph Vijay had earned the confidence of leaders and cadre alike by 'seeing the respect given by CM Vijay to seniors such as Sengottaiyan'. He added, 'Cadre now feel TVK is the new AIADMK. People are not joining TVK for money, but because of the clean governance provided by the party.'
Dissatisfaction with EPS's DMK Alliance
Arjuna alleged that AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami's decision to align with the DMK had triggered widespread dissatisfaction among party cadres. 'After Palaniswami decided to join hands with DMK, many AIADMK cadres were upset. Nearly 90% of AIADMK cadres are now ready to join TVK. They see TVK as their future and have accepted Vijay as their only leader,' he said. Calling for sustained outreach, Arjuna said TVK should organise induction events every weekend at its headquarters to welcome new entrants.
Assurances from TVK Leadership
TVK general secretary Anand assured the new members that they would be given due recognition and responsibilities within the party. 'There should be no hesitation among members of other parties in joining TVK. Everyone will be treated with respect and given suitable posts,' he said.
Similar induction programmes were held across the state. In Tiruvallur, AIADMK cadres celebrated their switch to TVK by bursting crackers.
