In a significant political development, former AIADMK minister Vellamandi R Natarajan has joined actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), party sources confirmed on Thursday. This move represents yet another setback for the AIADMK, which has been witnessing a series of defections in recent times.
Natarajan’s Formal Induction into TVK
Natarajan, who previously served as Tamil Nadu’s tourism minister, met TVK general secretary ‘Bussy’ N Anand and formally joined the party on Wednesday, according to a report by news agency PTI. His entry into TVK marks the fifth instance this week where a leader with AIADMK links has shifted allegiance to Vijay’s political outfit.
Context of Recent Defections
Natarajan’s decision comes just days after four rebel AIADMK MLAs resigned from the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and joined TVK. This wave of defections signals growing churn within the opposition camp as the state gears up for the 2026 assembly elections. The AIADMK, once a dominant force in Tamil Nadu politics, appears to be losing key figures to the fledgling party led by the popular actor.
Natarajan’s Political Journey
Natarajan had won the Tiruchirappalli East assembly seat in 2016 on an AIADMK ticket. During the party’s internal power struggle following the death of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa, he sided with former chief minister O Panneerselvam. Although he briefly distanced himself from the AIADMK fold, Natarajan had rejoined the party in February this year after Panneerselvam aligned with the DMK.
Implications for Tamil Nadu Politics
Natarajan’s latest switch is expected to further intensify political speculation over TVK’s efforts to expand its base by attracting leaders from established Dravidian parties. With the 2026 elections on the horizon, the political landscape in Tamil Nadu is undergoing rapid realignments. The AIADMK, already grappling with internal dissent, now faces the challenge of retaining its remaining cadre and leaders.
This development underscores the growing appeal of Vijay’s TVK, which has been aggressively recruiting experienced politicians to strengthen its organizational structure. As the party continues to gain momentum, it remains to be seen how the AIADMK and DMK will respond to this emerging challenge.
