Three AIADMK MLAs resign, join TVK; EPS alleges ‘Horse Trading’

Mangalore Today News Network

Chennai, May 26, 2026: Three AIADMK MLAs belonging to the S.P. Velumani faction resigned from the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Monday and later joined the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), reducing the AIADMK’s strength in the Assembly to 44.

The legislators — Maragatham Kumaravel from Madurantakam constituency in Chengalpattu district, S. Jayakumar from Perundurai constituency in Erode district, and P. Sathyabama from Dharapuram constituency in Tiruppur district — met Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker J. C. D. Prabhakar at the Secretariat in Chennai and submitted their resignation letters. The Speaker later confirmed that the resignations had been accepted.

Soon after resigning, the three MLAs met Public Works Department Minister Aadhav Arjuna at the Secretariat and formally joined the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.

Reacting sharply to the developments, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami accused the ruling TVK of engaging in “vulgar politics” and “horse trading” to weaken the opposition party.

He alleged that the resignations and immediate induction into the ruling party exposed a “pre-meditated drama.” Referring indirectly to Chief Minister Vijay, Palaniswami said a “cinema celebrity” who promised clean politics had resorted to “underhand dealings” to save the government.

“The resignation of three MLAs on the ground floor of the Secretariat and receiving TVK membership on the first floor within minutes clearly exposes political horse trading,” he said.

Palaniswami maintained that attempts to defeat or replace the AIADMK would fail, adding that the party had survived several betrayals in the past. He also warned that the people of Tamil Nadu would teach a lesson to those trying to weaken the AIADMK through defections.

In a party statement, Palaniswami said five AIADMK MLAs had assured him that they would continue to follow his leadership and discharge their responsibilities as legislators and party functionaries.

Meanwhile, the three MLAs defended their decision, saying it was taken in the interest of their constituencies and not driven by personal gain.

Addressing reporters, Maragatham Kumaravel said they had been unable to fulfil many promises due to lack of support from the previous DMK government. She said the people had placed their trust in them and expected development works to be completed.

When asked about contesting the by-elections that may arise following their resignations, she said the decision would be taken by the TVK leadership.

Praising Chief Minister Vijay, Kumaravel said he had prioritised women’s safety and planned to improve Amma Unavagam services, expressing hope that his government would provide good governance.

Separately, Palaniswami expelled party functionary Thaiyur S. Kumaravel from all party posts, including primary membership, citing anti-party activities and disciplinary violations.

AMMK founder T. T. V. Dhinakaran also criticised the developments, claiming that his earlier allegations of political horse trading were proving to be true.