The AIADMK suffered a fresh political blow as its Karur MLA, S.P. Vijayabaskar, submitted his resignation from the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Tuesday. The resignation, addressed to Speaker M. Appavu, was handed over at the Secretariat and is seen as a significant setback for the principal opposition party in the state.
Resignation Details and Context
Vijayabaskar, a two-time MLA from the Karur constituency, cited personal reasons for his decision to step down. In his resignation letter, he stated that he was unable to continue his duties due to personal constraints. The resignation comes at a crucial time, with the 2026 state assembly elections on the horizon, further weakening the AIADMK's representation in the house.
According to sources, Vijayabaskar had been contemplating resignation for some time, and his decision is likely to impact the party's organizational strength in the Karur region. The AIADMK now has 62 MLAs in the 234-member assembly, down from its original strength after a series of defections and resignations in recent months.
Political Impact and Reactions
Political analysts view this resignation as another dent in the AIADMK's efforts to rebuild under the leadership of Edappadi K. Palaniswami. The party has been grappling with internal dissent and a series of exits since its defeat in the 2021 assembly elections. Vijayabaskar's departure is expected to boost the ruling DMK's morale, as the ruling party now enjoys a comfortable majority.
Reacting to the development, AIADMK spokesperson said, "We respect Vijayabaskar's personal decision. The party will continue to work for the people of Tamil Nadu, and we are confident of regaining strength ahead of the next elections." However, opposition parties have seized the opportunity to criticize the AIADMK's leadership, with DMK ministers claiming that the party is crumbling under internal pressure.
Vijayabaskar's Political Career
S.P. Vijayabaskar, a former minister in the AIADMK government, has been a prominent figure in Karur district politics. He was first elected as an MLA in 2016 and retained the seat in the 2021 elections. His resignation leaves the Karur constituency without an elected representative, necessitating a by-election unless the assembly's term ends soon.
With the assembly elections due in 2026, the timing of the resignation raises questions about Vijayabaskar's future political plans. Speculation is rife that he may join the DMK or another party, though he has not made any public statement regarding his next move.
