Former AIADMK MLA VR Karthik Thondaiman Joins DMK, Stirs Political Waves in Tamil Nadu

In a pivotal political development, former AIADMK MLA VR Karthik Thondaiman has switched allegiance to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in a formal ceremony with Chief Minister MK Stalin. Thondaiman criticized AIADMK for deviating from its principles and promoting religious rhetoric, prompting his departure.

Thondaiman's entry into DMK was marked by the presence of several key party leaders, including Principal Secretary KN Nehru and Minister S Ragupathy, bolstering the party's influence in Pudukkottai ahead of the 2026 state assembly elections. The shift occurs as CM Stalin assured Marumalarchi Dravida Munetra Kazhagam leader Vaiko of the alliance's resilience against the BJP and AIADMK.

Vaiko reaffirmed his support for the DMK-led coalition, vehemently opposing any Hindutva forces from taking root in Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, tensions rise as DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan strongly criticized AIADMK's Edappadi K Palaniswami, amid political maneuvering following the expulsion of former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam from AIADMK.

(With inputs from agencies.)